Half Marathon Run or Walk

Course Description

Starting at The Stables, you have a flat start through a couple of paddocks before you start a long steady climb up a gravel and grass farm road (Fletchers Rd) for approximately 4km.  Once at the top of Fletchers Rd you will meet your first aid station, make sure you take enough time to sample all the treats on offer before heading off on your first little section of downhill.  Be sure to watch out for the resident cattle and deer that frequent the right hand turn near the bottom of this section. 

Next up for you is the much talked about Beech Forest, approx. 7km of old growth native forest…expect plenty more uphill in the first half, the bonus is you’ll not be moving at a great pace to take it all in.  Finishing the Beech forest, you have a fairly steep descent into the Quarry where you’ll find your next aid station and a whole new selection of goodies.  After the quarry, you’ll spend the next approx. 3km stretching out on some flat gravel road surrounded by sheep, cattle and some of the biggest hare we’ve ever seen. 

From the gravel road you will join the geese on the Goose Flat Parade loop. Halfway around this loop at the broken bridge where you are greeted by your next aid station and once again some gourmet offerings that will be well worth taking in.  From this point you will continue on Goose Flat Parade before crossing the bridge over the Taharua River.

Located just 1km from the finish, a crowd favourite from 2019, the Beer Mile.  Pick up a refreshing beverage and make your way along the flat gravel road flanked by cattle and deer back to The Stables…Job well done!

Course Details

Elevation gain 710m

Farm land 7%
Farm track 16%
Forestry road 10%
Scenic bush 31%
Gravel road 18%
Single trail 18%

Aid Stations

There are three aid stations on course at 5km, 12.5km, and 16.5km. You will expect a range of exciting food and drink - water, hydration drink, coffee, lollies, sandwiches, chocolate coated coffee beans, and much more.

There is also the infamous Beer Mile, ride, run, or walk the last 1km with a cold beverage!

Start Information

Start is from The Stables.

  • Wave 1 (runners) start is at 10:15am (followed by Walkers)

Participant briefing for both waves is at 10:05am.

Participants are given 6.5 hours to complete the course.

Compulsory Gear

Poronui can be very cold and the weather temperamental at this time of the year so there will be the need to bring and carry compulsory gear. The following list of gear MUST be brought with you, and WILL be checked on Saturday morning pre-event. Please bring the following or you risk not being able to get out there to do your thing;

  • Long-sleeve thermal or poly-prop tee

  • Survival blanket or bag

  • Seam-sealed waterproof jacket (long-sleeve)

    If the forecast is for inclement weather, we recommend carrying the items below:

  • Beanie, thermal or poly-prop

  • Gloves, thermal or poly-prop

  • Tights or leggings, thermal or poly-prop

 

I was keen to see if the event would provide enough value to warrant the $395 entry fee!
It did. Everything was the next level compared to a standard event.

If you saw it this year and thought "hmm 🤔, maybe". I recommend committing next year.

– Dr Will O’Connor