[river11]

I noticed that Auckland has a major race once a year and wondered whether anyone has or knows someone who's run it. Is it hilly, undulating?
Or the Christchurch one and what the course is like.

[KerryS]

The Auckland course is pretty dull after you've done the first 20k. The best part is running over the bridge, as you can't cross the bridge by foot at any other time. The full course doubles back on itself, which doesn't make for a very interesting run in my opinion. It's a great half marathon though, and I shall be running it again this year.
For a full marathon I want to do Rotorua, which is around the lake. Friends who've done both have prefered this one.
No idea about Christchurch - I didn't even know they had a marathon if I'm honest!

[mgbridges]

OH did the Auckland 1/4 marathon last year and wants to do either the 1/2 or full this year mainly so he can run across the bridge.

Anneliese

[Marie P]

I did the quarter too .........it was just along the front on the flat .

Will do it again this year as it was an awesome day ,hopefully I will be much fitter :exit

Marie x

[sbinder]

I'm signed up for the Chch half in two weeks - ask me afterwards and I should be able to give a better description of the course!
I do know the full marathon is just twice around the half course, which parallels the Avon River and goes through the city centre; it is supposed to be really flat and fast, and truth be told, there aren't any hills in the city centre so I'd buy it.

[river11]

spinder, thaniks for that.
C'churh looks the one to go for and must be a pretty scenic run around the Avon river. Good luck with the run and an update once you've run it would be great.
I found London as flat as a pancake but some people seem to think it a bit undulating and even hilly, I must have missed all of them.

[Billy]

I've done Auckland Marathon the past 2 years, and have really enjoyed the course. There is a section where you run out east along the front and then turn back, but in its own way that is good, as you look forward to the turnaround and once you've done it you feel you are on the 'home straight'. Did Rotorua 2 weeks ago, good course, a few gentle hills. Hawkes Bay marathon (Havelock North) is the one to do if you want a beautiful course. Quite a challenge though, 1st half dead flat, 2nd half hilly.