Twelve teams will be tested physically and mentally when the Bay of Plenty IRB Long Haul race from Ohope Beach to Mount Maunganui returns this weekend.

Held over five stages of racing, the event tests surf lifeguards' ability to respond to a callout or rescue by quickly setting up the Inflatable Rescue Boat and heading out onto the water.

The annual Bay of Plenty IRB Long Haul race from Ohope Beach to Mount Maunganui takes place this Saturday. Photo: Tracy Hardy

Surf Life Saving New Zealand sport manager Mark Inglis says the event, which takes place on Saturday, isn't for the faint hearted and the 12 teams will need to be prepared for anything.

'A lot of the details around the challenges, and the race itself, have been withheld from the competitors and will only be released on race day to the further mimic a real-life situation,” says Mark.

The race format has changed and will be set over five stages, where all teams will start together and race side-by-side to the next destination where they will complete the stage challenge.

Crews will have 10 minutes to recover before the next mass start sets them on their way to the next stage.

Greg says at each stages crews may be required to assemble and break down their equipment, perform rescues and carry out a number of other challenging exercises.

The race usually takes around three to four hours, depending on the conditions.

'This is always an exhilarating event which keeps growing in size each year. This year we have a total of 12 teams entered, which is three more than last year. Because of the larger number of entries, we have split the races into two categories; Open and Under 21.”

Papamoa has the largest number of entries with four crews across both age categories, including last year's winners Kirby Wheeler and Mitchel Brady who are favourites to take out the title once again.

Neighbouring clubs Mount Maunganui and Omanu each have two crews, whil 2015 third place-getters Mairangi Bay are back with one crew and Red Beach also has one crew entered along with Tairua and Whiritoa.

The Bay Of Plenty IRB Long Haul race begins at Ohope Beach this Saturday at 11am.

IRC crews are expected at the Matata, Pukehina, Papamoa and Omanu every half hour up until 1.30pm for the final stage at Mount Maunganui.

For more information visit Surf Life Saving New Zealand's website.