Half Marathon
scroll to: the course / info at a glance
EVENT DATE
SUNDAY, 14th MARCH 2027
START TIME
07:30 AM /Walkers + 3mins
EVENT DISTANCE
21.1KM
TIME LIMIT
3.5 HRS *
AGE LIMIT
>14 YEARS (on race day)
The half marathon distance at the Maraetai Half Marathon is one of the most scenic coastal courses you will find anywhere in the land. It passes through two regional parks, joined by a stunning ribbon of road that undulates past beachs and rocky headlands, never more than a hop, skip and jump from the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour.
The loop through Duders Regional Park includes a challenging climb up the trig point, with the reward of possibily the single best view anywhere in the Auckland region.
There are many events claiming to have the "most scenic" course in New Zealand. The Maraetai Half Marathon leaves that up to you to decide.
The Course
he Maraetai Half Marathon course features two loops joined together by a long, coastal out-and-back. The race starts with a short section on the main Beachlands-Maraetai Road before joining the esplanade through Beachlands and Maraetai. The coastal road to Duders has some easy undulations at it passes each headland.
The loop through Duders Regional Park, from 8-13k, has one signficant climb to the trig point for the best views in Auckand. After a long descent which takes you past the historic Duder homestead, you retrace your route all the way back ot the entrance to Omana Regional Park. A gentle climb on utility path offers more views of the harbour before the stunning final section downhill to the finish line. Mint!
HALF MARATHON
Race Info at a Glance
The Basics |
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|---|---|
| Race | HALF MARATHON |
| Race Distance | 21.1km |
| Event Date | Sunday, March 14th 2027 |
| Start Time | 7:30am (Competitive Walkers @ +3mins) |
| Time Limit | 3.5 Hours * |
| Awards Ceremony | 11:00am (approx 30 mins duration) |
| Age Limit | Participants must be 14 years or older on race day |
| Tickets & Fees | See the enter page |
| Race Number Collection | AHMS Series Pass entrants will receive race numbers by courier one week prior to the first event. All other entrants must collect their race number at the Event Venue from 2pm - 4pm on Saturday (the day before the event) or from 5:30am on race morning. |
| Race Rules | See our general Competition Rules here. |
Event Base |
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|---|---|
| Location | Te Puru Park, Whitford-Maraetai Road, Beachlands. Google locators: [start line pin] [finish line pin] |
| Access & Parking | See the dedicated Traffic & Transport page. |
| Refuelling Station | All race finishers will receive a banana when they cross the line. Water and PURE electrolyte drink will be available from the Refuelling station outside of the finish chute. |
| Toilets | Portaloos will be located in Car Park 2 on the eastern side of the park, which is approx 100m from the finish line. We strongly reccommend participants make use of public toilets on the way to the event on race morning. |
On Course |
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|---|---|
| Course Map | See Course Maps & Descriptions |
| Directions | Look out for our directional arrows at all turns and intersections. These will either be a white arrow on a blue circle or - for more detailed instructions - a yellow sandwich board setup on the road. Marshals are also present at all changes of direction. |
| Pacers | Pacers will attempt to guide particpants to achieve specified finish times in 10 minute increments from 1hr 30m to 2hr 20m. You can find out more information on them here. Important! Our pacers are experienced runners who volunteer who sacrifice their own race goals to help you achieve yours ... give them some love and appreciation. However, please be aware that pacers are succeptible to all the same ailments and pitfalls that you are. Whilst both they and we take every care to ensure a pacer will be present and run to the time advertised, we cannot guarantee it. |
| Pedestrians & Dogs | Please be respectful of the public and always look out for members of the public attempting to cross the road in front of runners. Unfortunately, non-runners often misjudge how quickly participants are moving. Friendly, well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome at the event venue however participants must not be accompanied by pets. |
| Toilets |
Public toilets are available at the following locations: > Omana Esplanade (2.5km & 19km) > Maraetai (3.5km & 18km) > Magazine Bay (5k & 16k) Event portaloos are also available at "Hot Corner" in Duders Beach (8k &13.5k) |
| Aid Stations | Aid Stations are located at: > 2.9km / 140 Ridge Rd > 5.8km / Ridge Rd @ Lynton Masters Lane > 8.4km / 693 Ridge Rd > 12.1km / 693 Ridge Rd > 15.5km / Ridge Rd @ Lynton Masters > 18.1km / Donaldson Drive Stations will serve water and electrolyte drink. |
Awards & Results |
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|---|---|
| Results | Results will be updated live throughout the event - see the Results page for links. Scan the QR code on your race number to be taken directly to your personal result page. This link will provide live real-time results and progress reports on race day. Please share it with your friends and family. |
| Scoring | In the spirit of athletic competition, awards will be given based on positions across the finish line (a.k.a. "gun time"). However, online results will show - and be ranked upon - the actual time taken between start and finish line (a.k.a. "net time"). |
| Merit Awards | Trophies will be awarded as follows: > Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female overall > Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female in the Competitive Walk category |
| Participation Awards | All finishers receive a beautiful Maraetai Half Marathon finisher medal. See previous medals here. An in-person finish at this event also counts toward the Auckland Half Marathon Series Grand Slam Medal & Halo. |
| Competitive Walkers | To be eligible to compete in the Competitive Walk category, you must: 1/ Be registered in the Competitive Walk category, 2/ Start on the Competitive Walk starting signal (normally 3 minutes after the main race start) 3/ Walk at all times whilst completing the race distance. Full details and information are available on our dedicated Walkers page. |
| Virtual Event | Couldn't make it to the event on race day? You can still record a finish time and earn yourself a finisher medal by completing the event virtually. Carefully read and adhere to the instructions on our dedicated Virtual Events page. |
Safety |
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|---|---|
| On Course | You must always remain fully aware of your surroundings and look out for uneven surfaces, obstacles or vehicles. Even where the road is closed, we cannot guarantee it will be traffic-free. Only proceed where you are satisfied it is safe to do so. |
| Medics | Medical services will be provided by an appropriately licensed medical provider who will be available on-site and available to attend emergencies on course. In the case of an emergency, marshals or race crew *may* contact the on-site medical team in the first instance as they may be able to respond sooner than 111. Important! If in any doubt, where there is a medical emergency, ask someone to call 111. |
| Marshals | Please obey the marshals where they are acting for your safety. Marshals can make emergency calls on your behalf or contact event medical staff. Important! Event marshals are provided by third-party organisations. They are volunteers and should be treated with respect, however they do not speak on behalf of the event organiser. Whilst provided with appropriate and accurate information, we cannot guarantee they will always communicate this. Participants have primary responsibility for their own safety. |
* Traffic Management, marshals, aid stations and on-course signage may be stood down according to the schedule required to meet the official cut off time. However, the event finish line will normally remain open until at least 30 minutes (and normally much longer) after the official cut off. All participants presenting themselves at the finish line whilst the event team are still on site will have their finish time recorded and a finisher medal awarded provided they have completed the entire course.