Course Descriptions
Marathon Course Description
The Marathon course is point to point, the first 32km is mainly flat. The remaining 10km is slightly undulated with a sharp brief rise at the 39km, (Roseneath). Marathon runners will share the course with Half Marathon competitors from the 27km mark (Portsmouth Drive).
Race starts at Harington Point at 8.00am. The race follows Harington Point Rd. and then Portobello Rd. all the way to the city's foreshore. The route crosses the Anderson Bay inlet then onto Portsmouth Drive, from here turn right into Kitchner St. proceed into Birch St. turn right into Ward St. right into Fryatt St. left into Wickliffe St. over the Ward St. overbridge, turn right onto Anzac Ave. and then onto Ravensbourne Rd. and Port Chalmers Highway (SH88). On reaching Port Chalmers, turn right over the railway crossing into Wickliffe Tce. and then right into Albertson Ave. The course runs against the flow of traffic in Albertson Ave. around to the entrance and into Watson Park and the finish line.
Half Marathon & Recreatonal Walk Course Description
The start of both the Half Marathon Run and Recreational Walk is outside Otago Polytechnic H Block in Forth Street at 9.30 am.
The 21.1km journey takes you through the Dunedin Botanical Gardens. Both runners and walkers head in the direction of the University of Otago, no "degrees of difficulties" here.
Continue on towards the city as directed by course marshals while taking in the sights. As you experience the aroma of "chocolate" you find yourself on the door steps of "Cadbury Ltd". All the training kicks in as you either pick up the pace past the Railway Station or settle into a rhythm by the Early Settlers Museum and the Chinese Gardens.
A slight rise takes competitors on to the over bridge then proceed down the spiral walkway where the Half Marathon course joins the Full Marathon course.
Catch your breath, take in the splendour of Dunedin's newest land mark the Forsyth Barr Stadium and you are halfway. Stunning views of the Otago Harbour can be viewed as you make your way along the Walkway/Cycleway.
Re-join SH88 all the way to Port Chalmers, you turn right into Wickliffe Tce, into Albertson Ave then to the finish at Watson Park...... Sorry, no need to go around Back Beach!
