AKAROA HALF MARATHON RUN & WALK
Half Marathon Information
Date: Sunday 16th May, 2027
Distance: 21KM Half Marathon Run or Walk
Start Time: 9:30am
Start Line: Summit Road
Finish Line: The Grand Hotel, Rue Jolie, Akaroa
Race Briefing: 9:15am Start Line - Summit Road
Minimum Age: 14yr
Cut Off Times:
- 12:30pm at 10.5km mark ("Le Bons Bay" Aid Station)
- 2:30pm at 14.5km mark (top of Long Bay Road)
Prizes:
1st, 2nd, 3rd Women, Men Overall,
Timing Categories:
1st Female, 1st Male 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Additional Info:
- Walkers are very welcome in this event, however there is no separate walk category for the 21km Half Marathon event.
- Due to Traffic Management restrictions we have cut offs at various points along the course (please see above)
- 3:30pm FULL COURSE CLOSURE
Breathtaking scenery in every direction!
Course Description
The Run Akaroa nourished by Akaroa King Salmon Half Marathon course is packed with incredible scenery the entire way. The course has been designed to maximise the views, making sure each step competitors take is on new ground and offers epic views at every turn.
The race starts along Summit Rd above Okains Bay, allowing runners and walkers the chance to enjoy the views from the summit without having to do the ascending. Summit Road is a favourite for travellers to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. For this day only the road has restricted access to all vehicles, allowing the chance for competitors to take in the spectacular 360 degrees views safely. The sealed road is undulating and travels around the rim of the ancient volcano, now known as Akaroa Harbour. At times the views are out over the South Pacific Ocean and at other times the views are across the sparking waters of the harbour. The village of Akaroa comes into sight as competitors head around the crater rim, creating a wonderful 'marker' to aim for as the kilometres go by.
There are Aid Stations positioned at regular intervals, with the final Aid Station on the final descent. The final 7km of the course is descending down into Akaroa Harbour via Long Bay Road. Each step down the hill brings runners closer to the sea-side Finish Line where supporters and a beautiful 'finishers medal' will be waiting.
Sealed Road 100%
21km Flyover
Elevation Profile
Approximately 480m Elevation Gain over the 21.1km.
Course Map
Aid Stations
Aid Stations will be at the following approximate distances in the Run Akaroa Half Marathon:
2.5km "OKAINS" Aid Station
5km "LAVERICKS" Aid Station
9.5km "LE BONS" Aid Station
13.5km "REIBELT LOOKOUT" Aid Station
17km "HERITAGE PARK" Aid Station
All Aid Stations will have water, PURE Electrolyte Hydration, and a supply of lollies.
Each Aid Station is well stocked and Gluten Free options are available. Toilets will be available at each Aid Station. Women's period products are available.
HOW TO GET TO THE START LINE
Vehicle Drop Off
Competitors can be dropped off at the start line by private vehicle. The Half Marathon start line is situated along Summit Road, just above Okains Bay. Summit Road will be closed to all vehicles other than competitor vehicles and crew vehicles during this process.
Marshals will guide drivers to where competitors will be dropped off. Drivers must follow all instructions and keep the flow of traffic moving at all times.
There is NO PARKING on Summit Road while competitors are being dropped off.
All competitors will need to be dropped off by 9:00am. All vehicles must be off Summit Road by 9:15am to ensure the race can start on time.
Vehicles can only travel in the direction from the Hilltop towards Akaroa. Access to Summit Rd will close to vehicles at 8:30am to ensure all vehicles are cleared off the road in time for the road closure to come into effect.
See the maps below for specific information.
Bus Drop Off OPTION 1
You are able to catch a bus from central Christchurch city to your start line. Buses will transport you back to the city later in the day.
Bus Drop Off OPTION 2
If you are leaving your vehicle in Akaroa for the day you are able to catch a bus from Akaroa on the morning of the race.
Access to Summit Rd between 7:30am - 8:30am
Vehicle Drop Off Information - 21km Start Line
It will take approximately 20 minutes to drive from the Hilltop to the Drop Off Zone above Okains Bay. (If you arrive at the Hilltop at 8:30am you will get to the 21km Drop Off Zone by 8:50am.)
All competitors will need to be dropped off by 9:00am.
All vehicles must be off Summit Road by 9:15am to ensure the race can start on time.
THERE WILL BE MARSHALS AND SIGNS TO GUIDE YOU TO YOUR LOCATION