The annual event was created in 2019 by the Fiordland Trails Trust to raise funds to expand the trail network and help maintain the existing Lake2Lake trail. The community-focused event also features a 10km option for those keen on a shorter saunter.
The course offers riverside and lakeside running, trails through native bush and small sections of road and 4WD tracks – there are also some undulating sections, with a maximum elevation of 240m, and even a ford (the water kind, not the car).
Any queries can be directed to events@teanauevents.co.nz
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Next event date: 5 August 2023
Registrations are due to open in early 2023.
Held in August, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the bracing freshness of a Fiordland winter’s day, when crisp clear days are the norm.
With mighty Mt Titiroa behind you and the World Heritage Fiordland National Park to your left, the scenery will enthral even the seasoned runner.
Running under the snow-capped mountains, you’ll snake your way through sections of beech forest and alongside the crystal clear Waiau River before finishing up at picture perfect, lakefront Te Anau.
10:30am start at the location of the original Hydro Construction Village, you cross the Te Anau-Manapouri Highway and drop into Balloon Loop where you join the Fiordland Trails Trust’s Lake2Lake Trail and head on past Rainbow Reach, Horseshoe Bend and onto Queens Reach.
A relaxed and enjoyable vibe flows through the field as you draw inspiration from the breath-taking scenery.
You then follow the Upper Waiau River before reaching the Lake Te Anau control gates – from here you make your way around the stunning lakefront trail. There’s plenty to take in as you pass Tui Bay and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (try to spot a takahe or a kākā) before heading along the town waterfront to Lions Park.
Five water stations and six toilet stops can be found along the way.
Registrations are due to open in early 2023.
Anyone participating in the Meridian Hydro Half Marathon must be at least 18-years-old on race day and attend the race briefing at 10:15am.
If any participant becomes distressed or exhausted the safety director or race director has the right to withdraw that person from the event.
There is a cut of time of 12:30pm at Queens Reach. Runners and walkers should be certain that they are fit enough and sufficiently well trained to complete this event. If you are unsure about your general health or fitness consult your family doctor before embarking on a training program. There are many running/walking training programmes available on the internet.
There will be limited road closures in Te Anau, however runners and walkers should remain vigilant, obey normal pedestrian rules and respect other trail users at all times.
The trail is still open to the public. However, runners and walkers should constantly be on alert and follow all directives from the course safety marshals.
Runners and walkers must follow the indicated channeling of the cones where necessary.
Walkers should walk no more than two abreast and keep single file and to the left on narrower sections of the course to allow runners to pass safely.
Withdrawals up to 1 July 2023 will receive a 80% refund and withdrawals from 2 July – 1 August will receive a 25% refund. A deferment can be made to the following years event with an administrative fee of $20. There will be no refunds or deferments after the 1 August. Any request for a withdrawal or deferment must be made in writing to events@teanauevents.co.nz.
A list of participants will be able to be viewed here.
Athletes have two options to collect their bibs in town
Friday night at Outside Sports in town 5pm – 7pm
or
Saturday at the Meridian Marquee in Lions Park 8am – 9.30am
Safety pins will be provided for the bibs
Those that have booked the bus transport will be able to collect their bus ticket, if not please make your way on Saturday to the start line at Kepler Farm for a 10.15am safety briefing. Signage will be out.
Once at the start line please follow the directions of the race director.
There will be a drop trailer available to leave personal items/ coats – please provide your own bag and ideally label it with your name. These will be transported to the finish line to collect there. No valuables please.
This is a zero waste (cup free) event so we ask you bring your own water, or container. Suitable SpeedCups or collapsible cups are available from most sport shops in New Zealand.
Transport from the check in at Lions Park to the start at Kepler Farm is available at $15pp
Book your transport via your registration link.
You can also choose to find your own way to Kepler Farm. There will be parking for spectators and athletes here although we request all vehicles are removed before 5pm on race day as this is a private farm and the gates will be locked at 5pm.
Parking at the finish line can be found around Lions Park between Te Anau Terrace and Mokanui Street, easy walking distance to cafes and accommodations.
Although you can watch the athletes at the start at Kepler Farm, there will be a short delay exiting the car park as the athletes need to leave the area before the cars are allowed to depart along the road.
The best opportunity is at the 6km point at Rainbow Reach where there is adequate parking. There is also parking at the Kepler Track carpark.
Although there is some parking at Queens Reach, there is likely to be a wait to exit this area so it is not advised to view here by car.
We encourage you to cheer the athletes as they run along the lakefront through town and at the finish line at Lions Park.
A medal will be awarded to every athlete to cross the finish line. But don’t leave because prizegiving will be at the Meridian Marquee, at the finish line, 2.30pm.
1st Male $300 & 1st Female $300 & 1st Gender diverse $300
2nd Male $200 & 2nd Female $200 & 1st Gender diverse $200
3rd Male $100 & 3rd Female $100 & 1st Gender diverse $100
**New** “Gender diverse category” when you select “not specified”. Prizes will be sponsored by Meridian Energy*
*We understand that gender identity can be a private or difficult concept for some. If you choose to participate in the gender-diverse category and succeed in placing in 1st, 2nd or 3rd, the following options are available to you:
a. Receive your award on the podium as per the winners from other categories.
b. Have your award sent to you privately
We have some very generous supporters of the event who normally donate a large number of spot prizes. Some of these will be awarded during the race to be collected as you finish. Some will also be awarded at prize giving.
Post-race images will be available to view from a link on this website.
Click here to view the 2021 event video
Click here to view the 2020 event video
Click here to view the 2019 event video
Well done to all participants!
Click here to view 2022 event results
Click here to view 2021 event results
Click here to view 2020 event results
Click here to view 2019 event results
