Half Marathon - 21km (walk or run)

Start Time: 9.00am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 21.1km

Total Climb: 686m

Course Description: The Half Marathon offers both challenge and opportunites to bust out some speed - but take it easy off the start line, immediately after leaving Event Base you approach two swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY: so a good chance to ease into your day while taking in your beautiful surroundings.
Warm up on the stunning Windows Walk beside the tumultuous Waitawheta River: watch for mining ruins and relics as you speed by. Your route takes in two tunnels that give the track it's name - goldminers would throw the tailings (wastage) out the windows into the Waitawheta River as they mined. HEADTORCHES are compulsory and the tunnels are strictly WALKING ONLY, please.
The first aid station awaits at the end of the Windows Walk: cross the swing-bridge and head up and left into delightful Scotsman Gully, a short, steep climb to get the legs functioning. Stretch out on County Road before the climbing begins in earnest - after the second drink station - as you begin to circle the mountain on the Number 7 Level Track. Settle into a steady rhythm up this gradual climb and keep an eye out for occasional glimpses down into the magnificent Waitawheta Gorge.
Continue climbing on the Number 7 Level Track past Dubbo 96 track: the views get better as you climb higher! Making your way around the back of Karangahake Mountain, prepare for a screaming (though slippery) descent: turn right again back onto County Road to reach the drink station just around the bend. Back onto the Number 7 Level Track, but this time turn left and get ready for another storming descent, this time on Dubbo 96 Track.
At the bottom, your homing instincts and the sound of finish line revelry will turn you right and after recrossing the swing-bridges, there is a final opportunity for flat, fast running around Dickey Flat and across our picturesque finish line.

Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Trail used: Crown Track, Crown Tramway Track, Waitewheta Pipeline Track, Scotsmans Gully Track, Number 7 Level Track, Karangahake Mountain Track & Dubbo 96 Track

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations

  • 6km (with PURE electrolyte, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

  • 17km (with PURE electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels)

Recommended Equipment: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, waterproof seam sealed jacket.

Toughness Factor: 8/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Half Marathon GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view