42km marathon course map.pdf (498kb pdf)
Ok folks we've done it!
We've altered the marathon course for 2009!
One significant change.....goodbye road loop - hello 1x stunning off-road loop of Bethells on private land. Road? Come on!
Last year's Marathon reccie report can be viewed here
Download report here (173 kb pdf)
We hope to replace this file with the 2009 event report asap. We are all itching to do the full reccie!
So what does this change mean? Well well well it means if you thought last year's course was scenically spectacular (and it's hard to argue againist that) .
What doesn't change is the toughness - in fact it remains nothing short of extreme!.
Starting from the reserve at Bethells Beach, you'll head north for approx 1km. This is where the private land begins and a solid climb awaits. After knocking off a couple of km's (and feeling like you've done another 12) you'll be on Razorback Ridge
Up on the ridge it's a chance to get your breathe back and take in the views but this section also offers up some nuggety climbs. The Houghton Track is your way down and if you want to talk fun downhill tracks this one tops the lot. Prepare to lose all control :)
To finish the loop it's a run through the stream at the foot of the mighty dunes, under the Bethells Rd bridge and into the Te Henga Carpark (drink station point again). This section is fantastic but remember unless you're in a team at this point.....there's a long way to go!!
You'll then head north along the famous Te Henga Walkway - views second to none right from the get go. This track has relentless up's and entertaining downs. A well earned drink at the end of the Walkway awaits.
After you've got to Constable Rd (at the end of the Te Henga trail) you'll head down a gravel road, and will then make a right hand turn into the absolutely amazing Goldies Bush / Mokoroa track, a technical journey of native wonderland with many river crossings - much fun to be had on this leg!!
After the Goldies / Mokoroa loop you'll knock off Te Henga Walkway again (checking out the scenery from a different perspective) before heading down to the finish at the reserve at Bethells Beach, where you'll find yourself a very well earned frosty Speights!!