Race Day Information – Kirikiriroa Marathon
Race Day Information

Kirikiriroa
Marathon

The River Experience

Welcome

We're thrilled to welcome you to the Kirikiriroa Marathon. Whether you're here for the full distance, the half marathon, part of a relay, or supporting someone who is — thank you for being part of the day.

01

Bib Collection

Collect your race bib from Hamilton Gardens, near the Visitor Centre, during the times below.

📍
Location
Hamilton Gardens
Near the Visitor Centre
🎽
Friday 5 June
2:00 – 6:00 PM
Pre-race collection
🎽
Saturday 6 June · Race Day
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Collect early before your start
02

Schedule

7:00
AM
Early Start
Available for runners who need extra time. Early starters will start together and must remain as a group until 8:00 AM. Marshals and aide stations will not yet be active. The race director will brief early starters just before 7:00 AM.
Optional
7:50
AM
Race Director's Briefing
All runners must attend a short race briefing near the start line. This is mandatory — please be prompt.
Mandatory
8:00
AM
Marathon & Relay — Official Start
Official race start for all marathon and relay participants.
Full & Relay
9:00
AM
Half Marathon — Start
Official start for all half marathon participants.
Half Marathon
03

Course Description

The marathon begins with a climb toward Gate 1, crossing a small road and heading to the new walking bridge — then follows the Waikato River through gardens, suburbs, and scenic paths all the way to the final turnaround.

Start — Gate 1 & Walking Bridge
Climb toward Gate 1, cross a small road and continue to the new walking bridge. Runners cross the bridge, loop underneath, and follow the path toward Fitzroy.
Fitzroy — First Stop
Just after the underpass beyond Fitzroy — your first opportunity to refuel and freshen up.
💧 Aide Station 🚻 Toilet
Hamilton Gardens Loop
Continue ~500m before turning back toward Hamilton Gardens, doing a loop under the bridge. Follow the path toward Hillcrest Trig, Hungerford St, and down Howell Ave to the river path.
Riverglade
Continue along the river path to Riverglade for another aide station and toilet stop.
💧 Aide Station 🚻 Toilet
Tamahere Turnaround — 10K Relay
Turn right on Newell Rd, then near-right onto Devine Rd, heading to the Tamahere turnaround. Runners then return to Hamilton Gardens following the same route in reverse.
💧 Aide Station 🚻 Toilet 🔄 10K Relay Changeover
⏱ Cut-off: 11:30 AM — Hamilton Gardens
Runners must reach Hamilton Gardens by 11:30 AM to continue. This is also the finish line for the half marathon and a relay changeover point.
💧 Aide Station 🚻 Toilet 🔄 Relay Changeover 🏁 Half Marathon Finish
North — ANZAC Bridge & Victoria St
Head north toward Memorial Drive, cross the ANZAC Bridge to Victoria St, then down across Grantham St and to the river path. Aide stations at Grantham St and Anne St.
💧 Grantham St Aide 💧 Anne St Aide
Hamilton Parade & Fairfield Bridge
Continue through Hamilton Parade, under Fairfield Bridge, and past the golf course toward the final turnaround.
⏱ Cut-off: 2:30 PM — Final Turnaround
100 metres past Delamare St, just after the toilet — the marathon turnaround and final relay changeover. Must be reached by 2:30 PM to continue.
🚻 Toilet 🔄 Final Relay Changeover
Key Information
04

Key Info

🥤
Cupless Event
BYO Cup
You must bring your own cup or hydration system. No disposable cups will be provided on course.
🏁
Finish Line Closes
4:00 PM
All runners must cross the finish line by 4:00 PM.
⏱
Course Cut-off
8 hrs / 4pm
Maximum 8 hours on course. All runners must finish by 4:00 PM.
🔄
Relay Format
4 Legs
Run as 4, 3, or 2 legs — flexible for your team. Each leg is 10.5km.
05

Relay Details

The relay can be run as 4 legs, 3 legs, or 2 legs — totally flexible for your team. There are 4 legs in total, each approximately 10.5km.

Leg 1
Hamilton Gardens → Tamahere
10.5 km
Starting at the Gardens, runners head out along the river path toward Tamahere. Changeover at the Tamahere turnaround point.
Leg 2
Tamahere → Hamilton Gardens
10.5 km
From Tamahere, runners retrace the river path back to Hamilton Gardens for the changeover.
Leg 3
Hamilton Gardens → Delamare Rd Turnaround
10.5 km
From the Gardens, runners head north across the ANZAC Bridge and along the river to the final turnaround at Delamare Rd, St Andrews.
Leg 4
Delamare Rd Turnaround → Hamilton Gardens (Finish)
10.5 km
The final leg brings runners back from the turnaround to Hamilton Gardens for the finish line.
Flexible format: Teams can choose to run this as 4 legs, 3 legs, or 2 legs — combine legs as suits your team.
Terms & Conditions
06

Event Waiver

By registering for and participating in the event, you agree to the Terms & Conditions below. Scroll within the box to read in full.

Entry Transfers

Entries are personal to the registered participant and may not be transferred to another person without prior approval from the Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated and payment of any applicable transfer fee.

Event Changes, Cancellation & Refunds

The Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated reserves the right to alter, postpone, or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, public health events, government restrictions, or other force majeure events. In such circumstances, entry fees are non-refundable unless otherwise determined by the Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated in accordance with New Zealand law and the event refund policy.

Acknowledgement of Risk

I acknowledge that participation in running or walking events involves inherent risks, including but not limited to falls, collisions, weather conditions, road or trail hazards, illness, and physical injury. I confirm that I am medically and physically fit to participate and voluntarily accept all risks associated with my participation.

Participant Responsibility

I agree to participate in a safe and responsible manner and to comply with all event rules, instructions, signage, and directions issued by event officials, volunteers, medical personnel, and marshals. I understand that situations may arise during the event that are beyond the immediate control of the organisers, and I will conduct myself in a manner that does not endanger myself or others.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated sponsors, partners, volunteers, contractors, and associated parties are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or expense arising from my participation in the event or related activities, except where liability cannot legally be excluded. Nothing in these terms limits any rights or protections available under New Zealand law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 where applicable.

Photography, Media & Privacy

I consent to photographs, video, audio, and other recordings of me taken during the event being used by Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated for promotional, marketing, editorial, and social media purposes without compensation. I understand that my personal information will be collected, stored, and used in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Event Organiser's Privacy Policy.

Event Rules & Conduct

I agree to comply with all event rules, regulations, and instructions issued by the Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated. Kirikiriroa Marathon Society Incorporated reserves the right to remove or disqualify any participant whose behaviour is unsafe, inappropriate, or contrary to event rules.

Medical Assistance

I consent to receiving medical assessment and treatment that may be considered necessary during the event in the event of illness, injury, or emergency. I understand that I am responsible for any medical or ambulance costs incurred as a result of my participation.

Emergency Contact & Health Information

I acknowledge that I may be required to provide emergency contact and relevant medical information for safety purposes and that this information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

Acceptance of Terms

By registering for and participating in the event, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

↓ Download full waiver (PDF)