Event Information

Course

New Zealand's most scenic marathon course commences at Hawkes Crag and heads up the gorge to a turning point near Berlins. Then back down the scenic, undulating Buller Gorge Highway to a finish at Victoria Square, Westport.

The half marathon is a one-way run starting near the Ohika-iti River Bridge and also finishing at Victoria Square. Both full and half marathon courses are certified. Every kilometre is clearly marked.

Start

Full marathon starts at 8:30am
Half marathon starts at 8:30am
Walkers start at 8:35am
Relay start at 8:35am

Times

Marathon times will be called but not recorded at 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kilometre marks. Half-marathon times are called at 5 kilometre and the halfway point.

Aid Stations

Drink stations are located at 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25, 28, 31, 33, 36, 38 & 40km marks. They serve Poweraid and water in 200ml plastic bottles. Personal drinks are to be marked and left in boxes in front of the grandstand at Victoria Square before 7:30am. These will be placed at the front of the required drink stations. Sponge points are located after drink stations.

Buses

We like to restrict the number of support vehicles within the gorge to a minimum and, where possible, competitors should use the appropriate starts. Buses leave Victoria Square at 7:00am for the marathon, and half-marathon. Please indicate on entry form if required.

Race Packs

A race pack containing race number, pre-paid meal ticket and additional race information will be posted to all competitors. Shirts may be collected from the office at Victoria Square on Friday, 12th February from 10am or from 10am on race day. Certificates and result papers will be issued to all finishers.

Weather

Temperatures can range from 12°C at start time to approx 24°C later in the day. Be prepared for all conditions.

Performance Prizes

Spot prizes can be collected after the first runner has finished and until 30 minutes after the last runner. Performance prizes and major spot prizes will be presented when the results are confirmed.

After Race Function

The after race function will be held in a large marquee erected on Victoria Square. A continuous smorgasbord luncheon is available at the White Star Club Rooms from 11am until approx 4pm. This will be by pre-paid tickets only - payable with your entry. Entry to the after race function will be free but please indicate the numbers attending on your entry form.

Solid Energy Marathon Relay

  • Four equal distance legs of 10.55 kilometres run over the marathon course
  • Each team to supply own support vehicle - one per team.

The Solid Energy Marathon Relay will be limited to the first 100 teams.

Social Walk

  • This section is for walking only. If you think you might run part of the way, enter as a runner.
  • Any walker who runs will be disqualified. This will be policed by officials throuhout the race.
Race walking is a rapid progression of steps during which contact with the ground is maintained throughout each step and the supporting leg, that is the leg carrying the person’s weight, is kept straight until the body has passed over
it. This means that the rear foot must not loose contact with the ground until the front foot has landed and the leg in contact with the ground is straight throughout each step. Recreational or power walking has only one requirement and that is that one foot is in contact with the ground at all times otherwise the competitor is running.

Run for charity

This year, participants are being encouraged to raise money for the Land Search and Rescue, or for their own charity. A sponsorship form can be downloaded here.

Race Rules

  • The race is to be run on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic (including the Buller Bridge). Entrants crossing the centre white line risk disqualification.
  • Entrants must obey Traffic Rules and treat the road as being open at all times.
  • Your entry is not transferable to other people.
  • You must wear your race number as issued, pinned on front, and must not reduce its size or modify it in any way.
  • Entrants being overtaken must give right of way to faster entrants during the event.
  • No more than two abreast once event is underway.
  • Entrants must not be accompanied by cyclists, vehicles, or people not entered in the event.
  • Only entrants wearing official race numbers will be permitted to enter the finish area at Victoria Square. Those entrants carrying their numbers wrapped in a singlet or tee-shirt must put them on prior to entering the Square. This rule will be strictly enforced.
  • Entrants who have completed the course will be disqualified if they attempt to cross teh finish line a second time. If you have returned to accompany a friend or ralative, thn you should not re-enter the main gates of the Square.
  • The Race Referee and the Chief Medical Officer will have the right to withdraw any competitor they consider to be under severe stress.
  • Official time-keeping will cease at 2.15pm. Prize draw will be limited to those finishing within the offical time period.
  • As you enter Westport down Palmerston Street, please remain on the right-hand side of the road. Do not run on the footpath.
  • Please remove all gear from the bus and place in the vehicle near the start line. The vehicle departs 10 minues before the start.
  • At the start of the half-marathon we want to keep the start line clear, so please assemble behind the line.
  • There are 10 drink stations on the course. The first in the half-marathon is the 25km mark, 4kms from the start.
  • Relay teams to have only one support vehicle per team.
  • Vehicles are not allowed to be driven alongside runners. This rule will be heavily policed. If you have to follow team runners, you must drive ahead and pull over to the side of the road so as not to stop other traffic.
  • A speed restriction of 30km/h will be imposed for all official and relay team support vehicles. This rule must be obeyed for the safety of the competitors.