New Zealand’s most scenic marathon course commences at Hawks Crag and heads up the gorge to a turning point near Berlin’s 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 finishes at Victoria Square.
Both full and half-marathon courses are certified. Every kilometre is clearly marked.
Start Times
Full marathon starts at 8:30am
Half marathon starts at 8:30am
Half marathon walkers start at 8:35am
Relay starts at 8:35am
Timekeeping
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.
Aid Stations
Drink stations are located at 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25, 28, 31, 33, 36, 38 & 40km marks. They will serve R-Line Electrolyte Sports 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 7:00am. These will be placed at the front of the required drink stations. Sponge points are located after drink stations. The course drink will be served at 60% concentration. For some technical information about the course drink and safety information regarding marathon running, see here.
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, timing tag and additional race information will be posted to all competitors except late entries. Shirts may be collected from the office at Victoria Square on Friday, 10 February from 10am or from 10am on race day. Certificates 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 presentation at 5pm (approx). If unable to attend please make arrangement for collection.
After Race Function
The after race function will be held in a large marquee erected on Victoria Square. A mini food festival will be held in conjunction on Victoria Square.
Walking Sections
1) This section is for walking only. If you think you might run part of the way, enter as a runner.
2) Any walker who runs will be disqualified. This will be policed by officials throughout 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 lose 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.
Course Records
Marathon Entries: 400 runners (2007)
Marathon Men: Phil Costley 2.20.31 (2007)
Marathon Women: Robyn Duncan 2.55.04 (2004)
Marathon Veteran Men: Phil Costley 2.28.27 (2015)
Marathon Veteran Women: Robyn Duncan 2.55.04 (2004)
Half Marathon Entries 2300 (2007)
Half Marathon Men: Phil Costley 1.03.09 (2001)
Half Marathon Women: Shireen Crumpton 1.13.03 (2006)
Half Marathon Veteran Men: Phil Costley 1.06.52 (2014)
Half Marathon Veteran Women: Shireen Crumpton 1.15.40 (2006)
Half Marathon Walking Men: Barry Neal 1.50.57 (2008)
Half Marathon Walking Men: Women Rosie Robinson 1.55.39 (2015)
Mini Marathon
The Mini-Marathon is for runners aged 0 (generally pushed in prams!) to 13. Entries are taken on the day from the Information Tent.
Entry Fee $2 with a $10 limit for 4 or more in the family. Start time as close as possible to 2.30pm.
0-8, 1km course. 9-13 2km course.
Prize giving afterwards.
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.
- Entrants must obey the 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 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.)
Entry Fees
All entry fees non-refundable after closing date.
Policy Statement
The Buller Gorge Marathon Trust will:
- Never compromise on the health and safety of all participants, visitors, volunteers and the public
- Will consider health and safety in all preparations of the event
- Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the equipment and practices maintain acceptable health and safety standards
- Communicating information on preventative measures that can be taken to reduce risk to health and safety
- Encourage participants and volunteers to identify and eliminate or reduce hazards
- Provide participants and volunteers with the opportunity to participate in the decision making process on health and safety matters
- Continually monitoring the effectiveness of practices and the management of a safe and healthy environment
- By complying with relevant legislation and providing safe working conditions