Marathon Course
All new for the first time in 2025 - we bring you the Hunua Hillbilly Marathon course! We must admit we are pretty excited about this one. Although this cuts out the most technical section of the full Ultra course don’t be fooled, this one is certainly still challenging in it’s own right!
You will start the same way as the Ultramarathon course and do pretty much for the first third (minus a few kms in ‘the valley’ to get the distance bang on a marathon for you!) - for those of you who have done the longer course at Auckland Trail Series, you will be familiar with this section. After Pukapuka track, you will turn right (yep we do mean RIGHT!)and once you’ve visited the infamous ‘Piggets aid station’ - this is where you will split from the Ultra course and carry on around renowned Ernies Track, and make your way back down to and around the lake, with stunning river crossings and board walk sections.
That is the end of the really gnarly stuff underfoot, how ever the hills don’t stop there. You will then head up to and across the undulating challenge MTB track with stunning views of the ranges, before completely your final 10km or so on the very well maintained tracks of the Wairoa and Suspension bridge loop
The bulk of the run will be on grunty single track under the cover of stunning native bush. There will also be a combination of gravel roads, MTB trail, boardwalks, swing bridges and even the odd Watercare dam mixed in for good measure. When you aren’t under the very welcome cover of the bush, you will enjoy some of the most stunning 360 views in Auckland.
Event Details
Start Time
8:00am
Start Location
Upper Mangatawhiri Campground
Distance
42.2km
Vertical Meters
Approx. 1890m
Aid Stations
4km, 18.2km, 24.4km, 29.8km & 38.4km
With: Water, Pure Electrolyte Drink & Gels, Coke, Bananas, Strawberries, Oranges, Potato Chips, Gingernuts, Lollies & Chocolate
Toilets
18.2km Pigotts Campground
24.4km Port-a-loo
29.8km Repeater Campground
38.4km Repeater Campground
Compulsory gear
This is gear you (everyone!) must take with you on your run, from the start to the finish.
Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool)
Seam sealed water proof jacket
Beanie (polyprop or wool)
Gloves
Survival blanket/bag
Head torch
1 liter of water minimum (2l recommended)
While some of this gear may seem excessive, we ask you to bring it for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop you will need it. The event is on very exposed, rugged country and it can be very cold if you have to stay in one spot.
Course cut-offs
CP #2 – 24.4km – 6.5 hours/2.30pm
FINISH CLOSED – 42.2km – 12 hours/8:00pm