Take in the complete majestic glory of the Pohutukawa Coast!<\/p>\n<\/div>
Join us on the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast for one of New Zealand’s most captivating running events, the GJ Gardner Maraetai Half Marathon. The course hugs the coastline of this stunning part of the City of Sails and offers unsurpassed views of the vast Waitemata Harbour. Run or walk over boardwalk paths, next to stunning, serene beaches and through two hidden gem Regional Parks for a truly unique event experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The event is based in the enormous Te Puru park mid way between Beachlands and Maraetai. Its a 40 minute drive from the centre of Auckland city and with plentiful parking and a beach to cool off on post-race, it couldn\u2019t be better. The signature half marathon course follows the coast along Maraetai Coast Road, passing the famous Maraetai Wharf and hidden beaches lined with Pohutukawas. A lap around stunning Duders Regional Park does include some modest elevation but, oh boy, the views make it all worthwhile. Like those in the 21k, those in the 10k will also enjoy a run through Omana Regional Park and the amazing landscaped foreshore of the Omana Esplanade. The finish line is a stone\u2019s throw from the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, where you can cool off in the summer sunshine. All finishers will receive a beautiful commemorative medal and those in the 21k and 10k will accumulate points towards the season-long, Mizuno Auckland Half Marathon Series.<\/p>\n
Duders Regional Park<\/strong>
\nDuders Regional Park may well be the most beautiful spot in our city that you\u2019ve never even heard of. Situated on the coast road between Maraetai and Clevedon, the 200 acre park was owned by decendents of the Duder family until 1996. The park occupies an entire peninsula and continues to be a working farm with sheep and cattle roaming the hills. Beware! There is a small chance you will run directly into a cow pat as your eyes focus on the stunning views from the track!<\/p>\n
Omana Regional Park<\/strong>
\nNestled on the coast between Beachlands and Maraetai, Omana Regional Park is the second of the two beautiful regional parks we get to enjoy on this amazing journey. Omana is quite different from Duders with a well formed concrete utility path winding along the cliff edges and down to Te Puru Park.<\/p>\n
Spectator Friendly<\/strong>
\nThis is a great event to bring the whole family along to. With race options to suit everyone, no one gets left behind. Even for those not planning to take part, there is ample chance to cheer on the runners \u2013 especially those in the 10k who pass right through the venue at the half way mark! Food and coffee vendors will be on site to keep your reserves up. Meanwhile, free activities, an adventure playground and the nearby sandy beach will keep the kids occupied.<\/p>\n
The penultimate event in the Auckland Half Marathon Series is 100%, sure-fire, coastal stunner \u2026 we hope you can join us.<\/p>\n<\/div>