Runners, walkers and families are being encouraged to lace up their shoes and start training as preparations ramp up for this year’s G.J. Gardner Homes Whangamatā Half Marathon.
The popular event returns on Saturday, September 26, with organisers reminding participants that early bird entries close at the end of July.
Widely regarded as one of Whangamatā’s biggest annual events after Beach Hop, the half marathon attracts thousands of competitors and supporters each year, bringing a major boost to the town during the first weekend of the spring school holidays.
While the headline event is the 21km half marathon, there are also 10km and 5km options available for both runners and walkers, making it accessible for participants of all ages and fitness levels.
The courses begin and finish at the iconic Williamson Park, offering competitors a scenic journey through Whangamatā’s coastal surroundings.
The event has become known as much for its community spirit as its racing, with hundreds of local volunteers helping deliver the day. Families and groups of friends often enter together, using the event as an opportunity to reconnect, spend a weekend at the beach, or open up the bach after winter.
Participants who stay for prizegiving will also go into the draw for an extensive range of spot prizes, thanks to the support of sponsors, local businesses and the Lions Club of Whangamatā.
The event has a long-standing tradition of raising funds for the Lions Club of Whangamatā, with organisers continuing their “Pay an Entry Forward” initiative. The programme allows entrants to purchase an additional race entry for a local Whangamatā resident who might not otherwise be able to take part.
To help participants prepare, organisers have made training plans available for each of the three event distances.
Early bird entries remain open until the end of July. More information and registrations are available at whangamatahalfmarathon.co.nz
