Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon - By The Numbers

The inaugural Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon takes place this coming Saturday, bringing with it almost 5,000 competitors, close to 10,000 family and supporters and the involvement of close to 400 volunteers.

The full Air New Zealand Marathon starts at 8:15am on Saturdaymorning on Marine Parade, the perfect place for spectators to assemble and cheer everyone on their way, before heading to the comfort of the local cafes for a shot of coffee or spot of bacon and eggs to get their day started.

For the runners though, once they leave Marine Parade the course takes in the highlights of the region including Napier Waterfront, Hawke’s Bay Cycle trails and quiet country roads, with the last 10km of the courses running through Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa triangle wine growing district and The Village Press olive groves. The finish line for all events is set in the surrounds of Sileni Estates Winery in Hastings – where those same family and supporters will no doubt be assembling to cheer them home and sample yet more delights of the region.

Ironman Oceania is the organizer of the event and Managing Director Dave Beeche says the course offers a superb running environment for competitors, but also many great vantage points for spectators.

“The Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon is a wonderful escape for not only the competitors, but their families and friends who are coming along to support them too. The course is just amazing as it winds its way through the vineyards, olive groves and orchards of the region, with much of the course on smooth and hard packed off road trails.

“We want those coming to Hawke’s Bay to experience and enjoy the region and all it has to offer and have no doubt that they will do just that, perhaps more so after they have crossed the finish line at Sileni Estates than before!

“Large sections of the course are however on private land and vineyards, we ask that spectators respect that and follow advice as to where the best vantage points are to best enjoy their day and look after the interests of all our stakeholders. This event is going ahead on such a wonderful course thanks to the support and engagement of 18 individual landowners, along with the support of the local councils, all of whom have been integral in our ability to deliver such a unique and enjoyable course.”

Not all of the course is on the trails however, there are some road closures to ensure the safety of participants, but Event Director Chris Randle says consultation has been thorough to ensure minimal disruption.

“We will have some road closures for the event, starting from the Air New Zealand Marathon start point at Marine Parade and including Te Awa Avenue, Eriksen Road and Kenny Road (until 9am). Other roads to be affected through parts of the morning include sections of Awatoto Road, Brookfields Road and through Twyford (from Ormond to Hill Roads).

“Everything will be clearly signposted and marshalled on the day with roads reopening as soon as runners have passed through. We have communicated with all businesses and residents and have had great understanding and support for an event that is bringing considerable economic benefit and visitors to the region.”

Anyone not yet familiar with the road closures can find all details and contact information on the event websitewww.hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz or CLICK HERE

The numbers on the event are indeed mind boggling, reflecting the organization and ‘leg-work’ that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the experience for everyone is a special one. From close to 20,000 safety pins to the likely consumption of close to 4,000 bananas and close to 10,000 litres of hydration (water and isotonic drink), the fine print is something to behold in hosting such an event.

Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon By the Numbers

• 5000 Air NZ race bags

• 5000 Sileni Nano bottles of wine

• 5000 sample bottles of Original Source shower gel!

• 5000 mini bottles of Village Press gourmet oil

• 19,600 safety pins

• 5,000 finisher medals

• 5,250 Litres of Water

• 4,250 Litres of Isotonic

• 48,000 Cups

• 3,500 Bananas

• 6km Barrier Tape

• 140 Portaloos

• 1.2km of fencing

• 56 Speakers

• 342 Volunteers

• 18 Wonderful landowners

Course and Event Summary – for all events

This new event incorporates a full range of distances to cater to all abilities including a full marathon, half marathon, 10km and kids run options. Starting on Marine Parade in Napier, The event courses are flat, easy running. They each offer a unique mix of running terrain, with a combination of running on-road, bike trails and through vineyards. Further event information can be found by visiting the event website –www.airnzhbmarathon.nz

Air New Zealand Marathon

From the start runners heads south, turning onto Te Awa Avenue before heading inland at Kenny Road. Athletes will then head towards Meeanee via Eriksen Road and Awatoto Road. A left turn onto Brookfields Road will then lead athletes all the way to the first trail section along the North side of the Tutaekuri River towards the coast. After crossing underneath the State Highway, athletes will catch a glimpse of Cape Kidknappers before turning back inland along the South side of the Ngaruroro River. This trail section will lead all the way to the halfway point where athletes take a small diversion through the Pakowhai Country Park before re-joining the trail heading west towards Twyford. Athletes will leave the trail back onto tarmac to wind through Twyford before entering the Gimblett Gravels Wine District. From this point it’s largely trail all the way to the end through a combination of the vineyards, farmland and olive groves finishing through the Bridge Pa wine district to the finish line at Sileni.

NZ Sotheby’s RE Half Marathon

The race will start at Pakowhai Country Park and will head west to join the trail heading towards Twyford. Athletes will leave the trail back onto tarmac to wind through Twyford before entering the Gimblett Gravels Wine District. From this point it’s largely trail all the way to the end through a combination of the vineyards, farmland and olive groves finishing through the Bridge Pa wine district to the finish line at Sileni.

AIA 10km

The race will start within the Gimblett Gravels Wine District. From this point it’s largely trail all the way to the end through a combination of the vineyards, farmland and olive groves finishing through the Bridge Pa wine district to the finish line at Sileni.

Kids Run

The kids run will take place within the grounds of Sileni Estates Winery and will be approximately 3km in distance.

Event Information and Schedule CLICK HERE

Spectator Viewing Map CLICK HERE

Event Day Road Closures CLICK HERE

Total entries 4,950 (as at Tuesday 26 April)

Entries:

• Air New Zealand Full Marathon: 940 registered

• New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Half Marathon: 2,520 registered

• AIA 10km Run: 1,400 registered

• Kids 3km Run: 90 registered **

** Entries accepted at Athlete Check-in on Friday 13th May

Demographics

• Male – 35%, Female 65%

• Average Age 41 years

• Youngest – 5 years

• Oldest – 80 years

Location

• NZL – 4695 (95%)

• International – 240 (5%), Australia biggest market at 139 (58%), China 25 (10%), Hong Kong 13 (5%)

• Local Hawke’s Bay – 1144 (24%)

• Out of region – 3551 (76%), Biggest markets Auckland 1429 (40%), Wellington 1137 (32%), Bay of Plenty 305 (9%)

ENDS

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