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Mark your calendars – Saturday 19 September 2026!
The Linger & Die is back, and we've got a few exciting changes in store for 2026.
This year we're returning back to old school racing with a single race day format, bringing everyone together for one awesome day of racing and celebrating.
You'll have two mountain bike courses to choose from:
🚵 Open Course – Approximately 21.5km, 500m climbing designed to be more achievable while still delivering plenty of fun and challenge.
🔥 Elite Course – Approximately 31.5km, 1000m climbing, more technical riding and plenty of opportunities to test yourself.
But that's not all...
🥾 For the first time ever, we're adding a 21km trail running course to Linger & Die!
The trails around Matangi are too good not to share, and trail running feels like a natural fit for this incredible landscape.
Whether you're on two wheels or two feet, we're looking forward to seeing the trails come alive with competitors tackling the course in their own way.
A New Chapter
This year also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Linger & Die.
When the opportunity came up to take on the race, we couldn't let it pass. Having spent years rolling up to the start line, travelling the world racing and riding and probably spending too much time focusing on watts and power to weight ratio..... Johnny and I are now in the hot seat as Race/Course Directors. Events like this showcase the incredible riding we have here in Central Otago, and help grow our outdoor community.
We know we're only here because of the hard work that's gone before us.
A huge thank you goes to Phil Oliver, whose passion, commitment and countless volunteer hours built Linger & Die into the event we all know today. Creating and running an event like this year after year is no small feat, and we're incredibly grateful for everything Phil has done for our riding community.
http://www.linger-and-die.co.nz
Registrations open 3rd August 2026.
More information to come on our incredible sponsors, supporters, the race village and what to expect on the day...
#matangibikepark #centralotagonz #lingeranddie #mtbnz
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Event venue
Alexandra Holiday Park, 44 Manuherikia Rd, Alexandra 9320, New Zealand, Alexandra
Tickets
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