Registrations now open for annual Easter Sunday Raetihi Gutbuster

The Raetihi Gutbuster has events for serious and amateur competitors.

Entrants in the Raetihi Gutbuster will receive a race pack with a difference - it's a goody bag of fresh local vegetables.

The annual Easter Sunday event includes options for cyclists and runners, with a 50km cycle ride and an 18km fun run, both starting at 11am. There is a 25km downhill cycle ride starting at 11.30am and an 18km cycle ride at 12pm.

"The Raetihi Gutbuster is a fun way to experience the scenery and history of the Raetihi-Pipiriki road that lies between the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks," organiser Mike Conway said.

"Starting outside the Waimarino Museum in Raetihi, it's an out and back course with options to suit most. People have ridden road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes and even tandems. Everyone seems to like the goody bags of fresh local veges they get as a race pack."

The 25km downhill ride from Raetihi to Pipiriki is limited to 20 riders.

"This option allows you to ride down to Pipiriki and experience the road - there are still some big hills - with the luxury of getting a bus back," Mr Conway said.

"This option is not timed and the bus leaves once the last rider has arrived so take some money to buy an icecream while you wait."

There will be spot prizes and the start/finish area at the Waimarino Museum will have a market day atmosphere with cake stalls, barbecues and coffee vendors.

Online registrations can be completed at www.rideruapehu.com and entries will also be taken at the event on Sunday, April 1.