The Second Race of the Auckland Half Marathon Series!
If the three things you are looking for in a half marathon are “flat”, “fast” and “scenic” – you are in the right place! The brand new Omaha Half Marathon features a beautiful coastal route that takes in the many highlights of the Omaha Peninsula and nearby Point Wells. the course features a variety of running surfaces and some of the most amazing views you will find anywhere. All of this on a flat and fast route that is sure to see lots of new PBs!
The event begins a short walk from the finish area in adjacent Paraoa Cresecent. Half marathoners will initially run north to the end of Paraoa Cres before turning south to join the 10k course. By heading north to begin with, there is over one kilometre of open road prior to joining the footpath around the lake at the southern end of Omaha. This allows you all to sort out your pace before this short 600 metre section where the narrow path can make overtaking tricky.
Once around the lake, you join the coastal utility trail north for 2km before diverting onto stunning Omaha Beach near the 4km point. By 6km, you have reach the top of Omaha beach and turn south to run past the golf club. Just before 8km, the half marathon departs from the 10k course to head out across the causeway on Broadlands Drive with spectacular estuary views.
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Course Description (continued) …
On the other side of the causeway, approaching the 10km point, you will turn right onto the Matakana – Point Wells cycleway. This hard packed gravel path takes you between orchards on a direct line northwards to Point Wells. At the end of the path, continue on to Point Wells Road – you’ve made it to the half way mark! At 11.5km, turn off Point Wells Rd onto Waimanu Place and then take the footpath to the Point Wells shoreline. The next 1km is on the grass foreshore with wide views of Whangateau Harbour.
Follow the grass around the point and continue on to Riverside Drive and the mouth of the Omaha River. A short out-and-back section will take you through to Point Wells’ quiet back streets – you are on your way home now! Harbourview Road will lead you back to Waimanu Cres to begin to retrace your steps south through Point Wells Rd, the cycleway and back across the causeway to Omaha.
At the main roundabout in Omaha, you will cross Omaha Drive, where you may encounter runners and walkers from the 10k event. Follow the footpath around the Omaha shops and surf club and back onto the coastal utility trail. A short run south and then west will bring you out onto Mangatawhiri Rd. It is now 2km blast south on Mangatawhiri Rd before the final turn into Rahui Te Kiri reserve for the 250 metre run into the finish line.
You made it! Collect your Omaha Half Marathon finisher momento and your special Auckland Half Marathon Series finisher medal and chill out on the grass until presos!