Sun to Surf Half Marathon

Sun, beautiful location, a half marathon what could be better? Starting from the picturesque Whakatne and running the 13.1 miles you finish on the crystal sands of hope Beach. This charming route is perfect regardless of whether its your first half marathon or your hundredth, everyone will be able to enjoy this utterly stunning setting. Run or walk 21.1km, 10km or 5km.

A personalised souvenir event number with your name on the frontA recorded time in the official resultsA limited edition inaugural event finisher medalAid stations and event recovery area with access to water, Pure Sports Nutrition product and other sponsor goodiesOpportunity to win spot prizesPost event entertainment at Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue including the Bonfire

Sun to Surf Half MarathonAll runners should be in paradise on this 21.1K downhill dash. Starting in sight of the iconic Wairaka, the course quickly passes the wharf before starting down Whakatane’s Main Street. Continuing along the road runners will soon veer off to the left onto trails and pavements through the bush – the picture-postcard coast coming ever nearer. At the bottom of the hill the route turns left into West End Road before hitting the beach at the West End Surf Club and following the Mahy Reserve parallel to the ocean. Continuing along trails and roads the final 1K will be on the sand, the finish line being at the Surf and Sand Beachfront Venue. The half marathon comprises approximately 20% off road terrain and 80% on road.Surf Strider – 10kmServing up one of New Zealand’s most stunning beachside routes, the course starts outside the doors of the popular Whakatane Surf Club before heading out to Mair Street and veering left onto Pohutukawa Ave. The route then follows Ocean Road through an access way to Harbour Road before competitors hit the Ōhope Harbourside Trail to Port Ōhope Wharf. Continuing on Harbour Road into the Port Ōhope Recreation Reserve, entrants will take a left turn onto a beach access track before touching the glorious white sand of Ōhope Beach. The final 1K will be on the sand, the finish line being at the Surf and Sand Beachfront Venue. The 10km comprises approximately 30% off road terrain and 70% on road.Sun Run & Walk – 5kmStarting on Ohope Beach, runners on the 5K have all the best views and the shortest distance to run. Starting off west up the beach runners will be directed onto Harbour road before reaching the Port Ohope Recreation Reserve. Here they’ll hit some trails and follow the coastal paths completing a short loop back onto Harbour Road. The final 1K will be like the 10K and Half Marathon, the finish line being at the Surf and Sand Beachfront Venue.The 5km comprises approximately 65% off road terrain and 35% on road.

Race HQThe HQ is the Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue at Ōhope Beach.Event ScheduleAll races start at 3pm - so you'll be able to enjoy the sunset.Note: all times are approximate and may be subject to change.Friday 5th April 20196.00pm to 8.00pm event registration Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue. Saturday 6th April 20199.00am to 1.00pm Event registration Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue.1.00pm Event foodies and bevie vendors available for competitors and supporters at Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue1.45pm Sun to Surf Half Marathon Buses depart Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue for the start at Whakatāne Heads2.00pm Surf Strider 10km Buses depart Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue for the start at Whakatāne Surf Club2.50pm Event safety briefings commence at the start areas for all events3.00pm All events commence at respective start lines4.00pm Event entertainment (bands and DJ) commence at Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue7.00pm Event Prize-Giving Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue.7.45pm Controlled bonfire begins below Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue.

Venue: Surf & Sand Beachfront, Ohope BeachEvent TransportAs there is limited parking at the start venues bus transport is included in the entry fee for both the 10K and Half Marathon. Parking will be available at the race HQ. There will be an event vehicle marked Participant’s Gear at the respective start lines for the Half and the 10km for participants to place their gear before it is taken back to the finish to a secure area. Labels and pens will be provided on the buses to mark gear.

Just your usual running wear - dress for the weather and don't forget to stay hydrated

Spectators are welcome to soak up the atmosphere at the Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue

What are the event categories? Half Marathon Categories:Under 20OpenMasters 40-49Masters 50-59Master 60+There will be an open walking category.10km Categories:Under 20OpenMasters 40-49Masters 50-59Master 60+There will be an open walking category.5km Categories:This is an open event with run or walk options.