2k Kids’ Dash – GJ Gardner Maraetai Half Marathon

2k Kids’ Dash

2K KIDS' DASH

Kids, start your engines! Flat and fast, this is high octane action for our juniors as the burn through 1000 metres of wide, safe and traffic free footpaths, then burn all the way back to the finish and an awesome finisher medal!

RACE DISTANCE

2 km

 

START TIME

10:30 am

 

TIME LIMIT

30 mins

 

AGE LIMIT

3-10 yrs

On Race Day

 The Course

Feel the thunder! We expect a huge line up of adults to cheer on the kids as they take centre stage for 2K dash. The dash starts under the main Start Arch. Kids will run towards the beach before making a left turn onto the footpath. They'll then run up and into Leigh Auton Reserve - keep some energy in reserve kids, there'sa  little hill here - to the turnaround point. 

After the turn, its all downhill and flat as they retrace their steps back to the finish line and claim that all-important finisher medal!

2K KIDS' DASH

Race Info at a Glance

The Basics

Race 2K KIDS' DASH
Race Distance 2KM
Event Date Sunday, March 9th, 2025
Start Time 10:30am
Time Limit 30 minutes (it's heaps of time - most kids cover the course well under 20 minutes)
Awards Ceremony 11am (approx 30 mins duration)
Age Limit Kids must be aged between 3 and 10 years on race day.
Important! Some kids who register for a 2k AHMS Series Pass may be over 10 years old for races 2-5 of the series. These kids may still compete in the 2k dash and accrue points in the AHMS Series Points competition. However, they will not qualify for age group prizes for any individual race where they are >10 years old on race day.
Tickets & Fees See the enter page
Number Collection AHMS Series Pass entrants will receive all five race numbers by courier one week prior to the first event.
All other entrants must collect their race number at the Event Venue from 2-4pm on Saturday (the day before the event) or from 6am on race morning.
Race Rules See our general Competition Rules here.

Event Base

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 can of SUPA sport drink and a banana/snack when they cross the line. Water will be available from the Refuelling station outside of the finish chute.
Toilets Portaloos will be located adjacent to the main car park, around 100m to the east of the finish line. We strongly reccommend participants make use of public toilets on the way to the event on race morning.

On Course

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.
Pedestrians & Dogs Please be respectful of the public for those few cases where you are sharing a footpath.
Friendly, well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome at the event venue however participants must not be accompanied by pets.
Aid Stations Due to the short distance involved, no on course aid stations are provided for the kids' dash.

Awards & Results

Results 2025 results will be here and updated live throughout the event.
Scan the QR code on your race number to be taken directly to your personal result page.
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 Boys & Top 3 Girls aged 3 - 7
> Top 3 Boys & Top 3 Girls aged 8 - 10
Participation Awards All finishers receive the 2025 Maraetai Half Marathon finisher medal.
A finish at this event also qualifies as part four of the five part qualification for the Auckland Half Marathon Series Grand Slam Medal.
Virtual Event Couldn't make it to the event on race day? You can still record a finish time, earn yourself a finisher medal and continue your pursuit of the AHMS Grand Slam medal by completing the event virtually. Carefully read and adhere to the instructions on our dedicated Virtual Events page.

Safety

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 First Aid NZ. In the case of an emergency, marshals or race crew will contact the on-site medical team in the first instance and - should there be any delay - dial 111.
Important! In certain circumstances, on-site medicals may be able to respond to an emergency faster than 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.

Discover the Pohutukawa Coast this summer ...

... sign up for the Maraetai Half Marathon here.