26/01/2026
MAGNIficent Chat # 3 (Jan 2026) is out now.
Click on the super long link below for all the information.
lets skip to the interesting stuff.
Course Format and Notes:
See below for a brief discussion of the MAGNIficent race format and details that will help in your overall strategy planning.
Maps. Teams will only get one set of maps this year. That set will include duplicate maps for orienteering and trekking legs so that a back-up or secondary navigator can earn their salt. The maps and passports will all be printed on waterproof and tear-proof paper (we promise!).
Points. Race will be decided by the team with the most points, and then time. The only thing mandatory is visiting each TA in order and via the discipline(s) intended on that leg. All CP (control points) are optional. There are several types of these: Main points (labeled CP) are the highest value. Waypoints (labeled WP) are like Main points, but with no flagging or marker to check in at, but which teams still get credit for if they pass through. PRO points (labeled PRO) are moderate value, and O-points (labeled O) are the least valuable. The course is designed so that top teams should be aiming to get every available point (all CPs, PRO, and O points).
Course time: The course will be open for 6+ days.
Full course: We expect 10-30% of the teams to get every point.
Sleep cards - once section of the course will have a sleep card system where teams are required to get cumulative 6 hours of sleep. Minimum stops of 2 hours. Must stop in certain areas (TAs and select CP only) to get sleep card credit. When teams use their sleep cards, transition time counts towards sleep time.
Darkzone: There will be two small darkzone areas during one section of the race that will limit travel options and times. No team will get stuck in both of the darkzones (unless you stop for a long time), and we've considered all the options to minimize the effect on the competitiveness of the event. The Darkzone area will also be an area where the sleep card can be utilized.
Equipment weight limits: 30 kg for each bin/bag (A and B). Bikes are just the bikes and stuff attached; Paddle Bag(s) are 50kg each (up to 2 bags permitted).
From the Race Directors
Time Estimates: We've done something different. One number. The number of hours that a reasonably fast team that is expecting to clear the course should be doing. Really fast teams will beat this time. Moderate teams will be somewhat close to this time. Slower teams will want to skip some points to not be too far behind this time. Basically it's mostly meaningless, unless it isn't, which is really up to you. Also - time estimates assume fresh team, daylight, decent weather, and excellent navigation. Yep - pretty much useless. We also might revise these significantly as we finish our final course setting this month. So yeah - mostly a drawing with some numbers. And by the way, PB = Paddle bag(s), Bin A and Bin B and Bikes should be obvious.
We are loving the logistics planner
https://www.themagnificentnz.com/post/magnificent-chat-3-jan-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawPjschleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFmSFF4a09Yc1BnNTFtWWkzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvkmV_KffGKiX74dH8q9mZjJIzE6V3Lfi1TnHPCwJKw-gzT_Q1UeuAN93rri_aem_XtdGlRR-YEeBz-3HjDStmQ