If the longer distances are not your thing – or you want to blast a super-quick time without any running on the beach – the 5K fun run and walk is for you!
The 5K starts just around the corner from the event venue on Taumata Rd. The first 400 metres on the road is the time to sort out your place in the field and ensure you are running or walking with those of similar ability. That’s because at the end of Taumata Road, we turn left onto the beautiful – but narrow – gravel path around the lake. As overtaking in this area will be tricky, we ask everyone to run this 600 metre section in single file. The stormwater lake is a magnet for bird life so keep an eye out for that as you go.
At the end of the lake, a short path takes you directly towards the maori carving marking the southern end of the beach. Turn left here onto the coastal utility trail. The next 2km are almost completely flat, hugging the line of the dunes and offering beautiful views of the beach – on your right – and “lifestyles of the rich and famous” on your left!
Having made it north almost to the surf club, the course splits in two. Those in the longer distances turn right onto the beach whilst those in the 5K turn left onto the footpath towards Mangatawhiri Rd. Don’t get them mixed up or you’ll get more than you bargained for! The footpath will take you between the houses and eventually over a wooden bridge for a left turn onto Mangatawhiri Rd. Smooth footpaths will now carry you south for the next 2km.
Just past the second exit of Paraoa Crescent, the footpath will lead you to the entrance into Rahui Te Kiri Reserve where a beautiful concrete footpath with wooden boardwalk bridges will carry you the final 250 metres to the finish line. Enjoy the views and that finishing feeling – you earned it!