Sun to Surf Half Marathon

Sun to Surf Half Marathon

All 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 – 10km

Serving 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 – 5km

Starting 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.