Athletic Whangarei's two-day marathon this Saturday and Sunday is an opportunity for runners and walkers to experience a "timeless" challenge on scenic off-road courses in Glenbervie Forest.
The complete challenge includes three runs or walks, starting with a 16km course on Saturday morning, followed by 5.1km in the afternoon and 21.1kmon Sunday, covering a total of 42.2km - the full marathon distance - over both days.
Although the event is not sponsored, small prizes including spot prizes, will be awarded. To add to the interest and excitement an estimated-time prize will be awarded for the 21.1km event, but, of course, that means competitors will not be allowed to wear watches. Because the events are some distance from emergency services, organisers require all competitors in the 16km and 21.1km race to carry a survival blanket.
Amy Burke, who finished first among the women last year will be competing again. But she may meet her match in Alice Barach from Dunedin or Athletic Whangarei's Ady Mckenzie (nee Ngawati).
If Tim Goodwin takes up the challenge in the men's event again this year, he will be hard to beat.
All events start at the Glenbervie Forest Headquarters, with the 16km at 9.30am, the 5.1km at 1.30pm on Saturday and the 21.1km walkers the following day at 8am on June 5, followed by the 21.1km runners at 9am.
