All Whale Run courses…were new in 2022 with even more of your time off the road on trails!
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. The mountains are almost close enough to touch, the air is fresh and pure. We have a comprehensive traffic management plan, although sometimes we wonder what traffic we’re managing on these quiet country roads. 5km, 12km & 21km distances are marked on the courses. The Marafun will stay within the Suburban School grounds and include some fun obstacles. We have portaloo’s and drink stations on the courses for your convenience and when you’re done there’s refreshments & stalls within the school grounds.
Whale Run Categories:
- 1/2 Marathon Run
- 1/2 Marathon Walk
- 12 km Run
- 12 km Walk
- 5 km Run or Walk (hybrid event)
- Marafun (for pre school & primary school age children recommended 8 years and under)
(The 1/2 Marathon and 12 km ARE NOT hybrid events. A walk is a walk, and a run is a run.)
All competitors will have times and places recorded.
These race rules apply in conjunction with the waiver on the entry form
- Entries are not transferable.
- You must wear your race number on your chest, if you want to be timed.
- Follow course as explained at race brief.
- Obey directions of course officials at all times.
- No dogs allowed.
- Keep to the left of the road unless otherwise directed.
- If participants choose to wear air-pods or any other kind of earphones we cannot accept any responsibility for any accidents caused by them.
- PLEASE NOTE: in the event that both SH1 and Inland Road (SH70) close due to events out of our control, refunds will not be given.
Whale Run Race Day Programme:
Registration Number Pickup: 12.00pm – 9.00pm Friday 5th Sept or 7.00am – 8.00am Saturday 6th Sept at Kaikōura Suburban School, Schoolhouse Road
Race Brief: 8.40 am Saturday 6th September at Kaikōura Suburban School, Schoolhouse Road
TIMINGS – To be confirmed
1/2 Marathon WALK start time: 9:00 am
1/2 Marathon RUN start time: 9:15 am
12 km WALK start time: 9:30 am
12 km RUN start time: 9:45 am
5 km start time: 10:00 am
Marafun start time: 11:45 am
Prizegiving start time: From 1:30pm
Course Maps
Maps on this website are as accurate as possible, no responsibility is taken for incorrect information. Changes may need to be made at short notice due to factors beyond our control.
Half Marathon Run/Walk
The Biggie.
Start at the school gate and head right for half a Km. Up a farm track heading towards Mt Fyffe. Cross Postmans Road onto McInnes where a gradual elevation will take you through the new bike track across Luke’s creek up to Top Line Road. Enjoy travelling through the native bush watching out for many natural hazards that exist on trail runs. Once out of the bush you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views of the peninsula. Carry on for another 3 km elevating gradually to the high point at the Waimangaroa Dam. Cut through the forest trail to Koura Bay Golf Course. It’s then all downhill back to school. PLEASE NOTE this course has minimal time on the road and will take you through the nice bird-filled bush, across several creeks (you might get wet feet), stop banks, farm tracks, gravel roads with some good elevations. The views of the mountains, native bush and Kaikōura Peninsula are outstanding and will more than reward you for this challenging course!
Course map.
Or download the 21km course map pdf
12 km Run/Walk
Still want a Challenge?
Start at school and follow the same track as the 1/2 Marathon for approximately the first 7 km on this course. Up the farm track and cutting through the bush on the new bike track. Enjoy stunning peninsula views as you turn and head back down towards school.
As a 12km run or walk this year you will have a bit further to go, more challenging underfoot and a bit of an elevation. Time to test yourself!
Course map.
Or download the 12km course map pdf
5km Run/Walk
New distance. Great for all ages.
Start at the school gate and head right for half a Km to the second bridge on School House Road. Turn left and up the farm track. Pass animals and farm buildings and enjoy rural life’s sights, sounds and smells. There is a slight elevation. Turn around at the top of the track by Postmans Road and enjoy the gentle slope back down!
Course map.
Or download the 5km course map pdf
MaraFun
The more-fun Marafun.
For preschoolers and early primary school-age children (aimed at aged 8 years and under), the event this year is being run OFF the road and kept safely within the school grounds. Race around the track with fun obstacles along the way to add to the excitement!
Course map.
Please Note: This is not the confirmed Marafun course. You’ll need to come along and join the fun to find the real course!
