Race Information

Accommodation | Course | Start | Timing | Aid Stations | Buses | Race Pack | Weather

 Spot Prizes |  Race Records | After Race Function | Race Rules | Asics Competition 

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Run for Charity

This year, participants are being encouraged to raise money for CCS Disability Action, or for their own charity. The Sponsorship form is located on our home page.

ACCOMMODATION

Should you have any problems finding accommodation please contact the Marathon Committee at PO Box 158 Westport.

COURSE

New Zealand's most scenic marathon course commences at Hawkes Crag and heads up the gorge to a turning point near Berlins Hotel. 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.

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START

Full marathon starts at 8:30am

Half marathon starts at 8:30am

Walkers start at 8:35am

Relay start at 8:35am

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TIMES

Marathon times will be called but not recorded at 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, & 40 kilometre marks. Half marathon times are called at 5km and the halfway point - 10.55km.

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AID STATIONS

Drink stations are located at 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25, 28, 31, 33, 36, 38 & 40km marks. They serve diluted natural orange drink, 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.

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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 7:15am for the marathon, and  Half marathon.

PLEASE INDICATE ON ENTRY FORM IF REQUIRED.

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RACE PACKS

A race pack containing race numbers, 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, February 8th from 8:30am or from 10am on race day. Certificates and result papers will be issued to all finishers.

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WEATHER

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

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MAJOR PRIZES

House of Travel in conjunction with Air New Zealand have sponsored a holiday for two on the Gold Coast, including return airfares to Brisbane and five nights' accomodation. Special conditions apply.

3 x $1000 overseas travel vouchers

Two prizes of two nights' accomodation at the Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch

Ellerys in conjunction with Fisher and Paykel are sponsoring a washer and dryer package valued at $1250. You must be present at prizegiving to accept your prize.

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 results are confirmed.

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RACE RECORDS

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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 Square from 11am until approx 4pm.This will be by prepaid 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. 

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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 the Traffic Rules and treat the road as being open at all times. 

Your entry is not transferable to other people. 

Any entrant without a number on will not be allowed to enter the finisher area. 

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 the finish line a second time. If you have returned to accompany a friend or relative, then 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 official 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 minutes 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 at the 25K mark, 4ks from the start. 

Relay Teams to have one only support vehicle per team.

Vehicles are not allowed to be driven along side of 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 30ks will be imposed for all Official and Relay Teams support vehicles. (This Rule must be obeyed for the safety of the competitors.) 

Solid Energy Marathon Relay

• Four equal distance legs of 10.55 kilometres run over the marathon course.
• Each team to supply own support vehicle - 1 per team.

FULL RULES WILL BE ISSUED TO ALL TEAMS
THE SOLID ENERGY MARATHON RELAY WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 60 TEAMS.

• 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 throughout the race.

NOTE:

• Your entry is not transferable to another runner.

• Any runner without a "Number on" will not be allowed to enter finishing chutes.

Asics

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