THE GRAND HOTEL | MARATHON
Enjoy Summit Road all the way to Akaroa!
42.2km Information
Date: Sunday 16th May, 2027
Distance: 42.2KM Run
Start Time: 9:00am
Start Line: Summit Road
Finish Line: The Grand Hotel, Rue Jolie, Akaroa
Race Briefing: 8:45am Start Line - Summit Road
Minimum Age: 18yr
Cut Off Times:
- 12:10pm at 19km mark ("Little Akaloa" Aid Station)
- 2:30pm at 36km mark (top of Long Bay Road)
Prizes:
1st, 2nd, 3rd Women, Men Overall,
Timing Categories:
1st Female, 1st Male 18-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Additional Info:
- There is no walk option in the Marathon event. You can walk and run the course but please consider the cut off times.
- Due to Traffic Management restrictions we have cut offs at various points along the course (please see above)
- 3:30pm FULL COURSE CLOSURE
Course Description
The Grand Hotel Marathon course is packed with incredible scenery the entire way. The course has been designed to allow for the full 'Summit Road' experience, making sure each step competitors take is capturing the epic views at every turn.
The start line is above Little Akaloa, with sweeping views into Akaroa Harbour giving runners a taste of what is to come. The lush green hills surrounding the ancient volcano of Akaroa Harbour set the scene for what lies ahead - breathtaking sights for the entire 42.2km.
Runners begin the marathon with an 'out and back' section towards the iconic Hilltop venue. There are Aid Stations at regular intervals.
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.
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%
42.2km Flyover
Elevation Profile
Approximately 950m Elevation Gain over the 42.2km.
Course Map
Aid Stations
Aid Stations will be at the following approximate distances in the Run Akaroa Marathon:
4km "PIGEON BAY" Aid Station
8km "HILLTOP" Aid Station
11km "HILLTOP" Aid Station
15km "PIGEON BAY" Aid Station
19km "LITTLE AKALOA" Aid Station
23km "OKAINS BAY" Aid Station
26km "LAVERICKS" Aid Station
30km "LE BONS" Aid Station
34km "REIBELT LOOKOUT" Aid Station
38km "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.
Marathon 'Bottle Drop' Option
If you wish to have any special drinks or supplies along the course, Run Akaroa offers the following locations:
4km "PIGEON BAY" Aid Station
15km "PIGEON BAY" Aid Station
19km "LITTLE AKALOA" Aid Station
26km "LAVERICKS" Aid Station
34km "REIBELT LOOKOUT" Aid Station
The selected Aid Stations will have a separate table for the Marathon "Bottle Drop".
When you collect your Race Bib you will have 4 small stickers to choose from. Each sticker will have the Aid Station name and your race number on it. ALL BOTTLES must have one of these stickers attached. Bottles must be given to the Scenic Sports Events crew at your start line. They will be separated off into Aid Station locations and taken by our crew prior to the start of your race.
ALL BOTTLES MUST BE HANDED IN AT YOUR START LINE BY 8:45AM.
CREW WILL BE LEAVING IMMEDIATELY TO TAKE THE BOTTLES TO THE RELEVANT LOCATIONS.
HOW TO GET TO THE START LINE
Vehicle Drop Off
Competitors can easily be dropped off at the start line by private vehicle. The Marathon start line is situated at the top of Little Akaloa. There is a drop off area on the side of the road.
Drivers must follow our marshals instructions and keep the flow of vehicles moving. There is no parking at this venue. Competitors will be dropped off and the vehicle will need to exit the site immediately.
All competitors will need to be dropped off between 8:00am and 9:15am.
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.