23 August 2012

Shake off winter with Great Barrier’s Wharf to Wharf Marathon

You have seven weeks to get ready for our country’s best-kept outdoor secret – Great Barrier’s Wharf to Wharf Marathon.

Registrations close on September 28 and will be limited to just 250 for this unique annual event taking place 13 October.

Unlike other marathons, over half of the course is off-road and participants can choose to run, walk or mountain bike it.

The Wharf to Wharf Marathon provides a full 42.2km course, as well as a half-marathon course for those new to marathons, or wanting endurance training for the Auckland Marathon on October 28.

Participants will enjoy some of the most unspoiled native forest left in New Zealand.

Impressive panoramic views await participants from the summit of Te Ahumata Mountain, a historic silver and gold mining site.

Remote white sand beaches, lush native forest and picturesque settlements around quiet island bays are just a few of the Island’s charms.

The Great Barrier Local Board supports growing local events and is committed to supporting and promoting the Wharf to Wharf Marathon.

Local Board Chair Paul Downie says the event offers mainlanders a great opportunity to take in some amazing scenery and experience some warm local hospitality.

"Though considered a suburb of Auckland by some, we are 100km away from downtown Auckland and enjoy a lifestyle even further removed," says Mr Downie.

The marathon starts at Port Fitzroy Wharf in the north of the Island, and concludes at Tryphena Wharf in the south.

All funds raised from the event will go to the island’s Kaitoke Primary School.

For more information, or to register for the event online, visit www.thebarrier.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media