Race Description and History

The Tasman Forestry Half - Marathon was first introduced in 1982, and is run over one of the most picturesque courses in the country.

This race is a useful build-up to the Fletcher Marathon, covering a full (and hilly) half-marathon distance which has been carefully mapped out and measured by Tasman Forestry staff. It is conducted under N.Z.A.A.A. rules.

Winding around the thickly forested base of Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe), the race follws metalled forestry roads. After a downhill start, a steady climb of six kilometres takes you to the back of the mountain, with a steep downhill section to the nine kilometre mark. From there on, until the 14 kilometre point, the course is undulating.

The race journey finishes with seven kilometres of flat road, apart from a long climb at the 20 kilometre point, dropping off to the finish line at the Tasman Forestry Compound.

Course surveyors rate this as a demanding course and the race is not renowned for fast times.

In 1996 the club through change of sponsourship ran their first town half marathon from the Kawerau Hotel. In 1997 the Great Mid Winter Half Marathon in the first week of July was instigated on a 2 lap course running through the parks and streets of Kawerau Township. Starting and finishing from Pinelands Hotel.

This event includes a walking and running fun run of 11km.