2:09 Events Limited

First Light Marathon, New Zealand

Date: 23 - 27 January, 2025

25 JANUARY 2025 - The First Light Marathon - Get ready to embark on a wonderful adventure.  The First Light Marathon takes place in Tairawhiti Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand, which is known for being the first city in the world to see the sun each day. Its spectacular coastline and the steep green hills provide a magical backdrop to this unique race. Runners will herald in the sunrise as they crest the many hills and race along the white sand beach. Furthermore, Tairawhiti Gisborne is known a…

25 JANUARY 2025 - The First Light Marathon - Get ready to embark on a wonderful adventure. 

The First Light Marathon takes place in Tairawhiti Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand, which is known for being the first city in the world to see the sun each day. Its spectacular coastline and the steep green hills provide a magical backdrop to this unique race. Runners will herald in the sunrise as they crest the many hills and race along the white sand beach.

Furthermore, Tairawhiti Gisborne is known as the "Chardonnay Capital" of Aotearoa New Zealand - home to countless wineries, excellent food, and world-class beaches, there is plenty to enjoy after the race is run. 

The Marathon

Both the marathon and half-marathon runners will begin on the boardwalk next to Midway Beach. The race starts just before sunrise, and participants will follow the boardwalk out of Tairawhiti Gisborne until the first hills are reached. As runners crest the first hill, they'll be rewarded with a view of the sun slowly rising out over the Pacific Ocean. You will be among the first people in the world to greet the new day as the sun illuminates the landscape around you. 

Both marathon and half-marathon runners will face a series of short, steep hills once they are out of the city. The race is a mix of single-track trails, roads, and off-road surfaces. Half-marathon runners will loop through the hills back toward the city, while marathon runners head out to Wainui Beach for roughly a kilometer through the sand next to the sparkling waves. Then, marathon runners will head back into the hills to tackle even more challenging climbs until they once again reach Tairawhiti Gisborne. 

Both half-marathon and marathon runners will finish the race on the same boardwalk where the race began, running onto Midway Beach for some well-deserved rest and refreshments.  

Note: 

Do not forget that this is first and foremost an adventure. We are far away from comforts of home and this makes it impossible to offer services at the same level usually provided in city marathons.

Race time limit: 7 hours

Average temp: 25C

Age limit: 

Marathon: 18+ years 

Half Marathon: 16+ years

Albatros tour guides will be around to accompany you and show you around over the 5 days!

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For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com