Marathon Course 

Back again in 2026 after rave reviews, first being run at last years event - we bring you the Hunua Hillbilly Marathon. Although this cuts out the most technical section of the full Ultra course don’t be fooled, this one is certainly still a very challenging marathon!

You will start the same way as the Ultramarathon course and head through the valley to climb towards Pukapuka Track. When you pop out the other end of Pukapuka, you will turn right and visit the infamous ‘Piggets aid station’ - this is where you will split from the Ultra course and carry on around renowned Ernies Track, and make your way back down to and around the lake, with stunning river crossings and board walk sections.

That is the end of the really gnarly stuff underfoot, how ever the hills don’t stop there. You will then head up to and across the undulating challenge MTB track with stunning views of the ranges, before completely your final 10km or so on the very well maintained tracks of the Wairoa and Suspension bridge loop

The bulk of the run will be on grunty single track under the cover of stunning native bush. There will also be a combination of gravel roads, MTB trail, boardwalks, swing bridges and even the odd Watercare dam mixed in for good measure. When you aren’t under the very welcome cover of the bush, you will enjoy some of the most stunning 360 views in Auckland.

This Marathon has been officially measured and approved by the New Zealand 100 Marathon Club.

Maps

 

GPX file - Hunua Hillbilly Marathon

Event Details

START TIME : 8:00am 

START LOCATION : Upper Mangatawhiri Campground 

DISTANCE : 42.2km  VERTICAL METERS : Approx. 1890m 

AID STATIONS : 5.8km, 16.8km, 24.4km, 29.8km & 38.4km
With: Water, Pure Electrolyte Drink & Gels, Coke, Bananas, Strawberries, Oranges, Potato Chips, Gingernuts, Lollies & Chocolate plus keep your eye out for some bonus home baking! Boiled Potatoes and Sandwiches at 24.4km

TOILETS

  • 16.8km Piggotts Campground

  • 24.4km Port-a-loo

  • 29.8km Repeater Campground

  • 38.4km Repeater Campground

KAURI DIEBACK PREVENTION - IMPORTANT

As the Hunua Ranges are Kauri Dieback free there is a Controlled Area Notice in place which means there are additional hygiene procedures we need to adhere to for this event.

  • All footwear, gear and vehicles must be free from all visible soil before entering the park bounday (shoes will be checked at registration)

  • Footwear should then be disinfected once soil has been removed. Mats containing SteriGene disinfectant will be used by all participants prior to event start.

  • Stay on marked tracks and off Kauri roots.

  • Spectators must use wash stations provided when venturing onto the course (even if being transported in the supporter minivan)

Please be aware – failure to have clean footwear will result in you not being able to participate in the event.

COMPULSORY GEAR

This is gear you (everyone!) must take with you on your run, from the start to the finish.

  • Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool)

  • Seam sealed waterproof jacket

  • Beanie (polyprop or wool)

  • Gloves

  • Survival blanket/bag

  • Head torch

  • 1 litre of water minimum

While some of this gear may seem excessive, we ask you to bring it for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop you will need it. The event is on very exposed, rugged country and it can be very cold if you have to stay in one spot. 

COURSE CUT OFFS

  • CP #2 – 24.4km – 6.5 hours/2.30pm 

  • FINISH CLOSED – 42.2km – 12 hours/8:00pm