It’s not unheard of, but it is rare, that athletes take a ferry ride in the middle of a marathon course to complete the second half.
Nick Reader, event owner of the Whitianga Half Marathon, is excited to offer a full marathon event in addition to the popular half. If you are looking for a fun, mainly flat, coastal course with stunning views, based in the heart of the Coromandel Peninsula, then this an event for your calendar. This event will be held on Saturday 22nd May 2021.
Nick describes the event, ‘the scenery across each distance is stunning. The courses envelope some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines that take in the epic views of the world renowned Mercury Bay.’
The event format ensures there is a distance for walkers and runners ranging from a 5km fun run right up to the brand new premier full 42km marathon.
The new marathon starts at Ferry Landing on the Whitianga Harbour and takes in Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Beach, as well as a local avocado orchard that offers panoramic views of Mercury Bay. A ferry ride at the 21km mark has marathon runners joining the new half marathon course.
The half marathon (previously 2 laps of town) is now a single lap course taking in all the sites of Buffalo Beach, the Whitianga Estuary and Whitianga Waterways. The shorter courses enjoy the coast.
The host town of Whitianga is an idyllic and relaxing location with top notch accommodation, restaurants and recreational activities that makes this event a must do for many.
Nick says, ‘with the evolution of this event we are now calling it the Whitianga Marathon, New Zealand’s coastal marathon. I encourage everyone to check out the new courses on our new website www.whitiangamarathon.co.nz.’