I hope you all are entered.

The Hatuma half Marathon is in 7 Days!!

I know that many will know about the Hatuma Half, but there are many who will not or cannot see the race through the trees. Sorry we are a bit late with this one, but it’s been like having my molars out these last few weeks.

The Hatuma Half Marathon started as the brainchild of Tim Wyn-Harris who, after seeing a similar running event at a blossom festival in Atlanta, brought the idea back to Central Hawke’s Bay in 1980 and the Hatuma Half Marathon was born. 40+ years later the event is a much-anticipated event on the CHB sporting calendar and retains a large following of locals and past participants who return each year.

The Hatuma Half Marathon has a reputation of being a fun, relaxed, supportive, and great value for money event.

Like most grass roots events there are many “on-the-day” volunteers who enable this event to go ahead, and the organisers rely heavily on them. It sometimes attracts some serious runners to mix it up, but a few of the locals usually take it out, must be the local knowledge.

What events are happening?

There is lots to get excited about. The event revolves around the flagship 21.1 km loop of the lake and the 10km dash from half way around. You can enter as an individual, as a group or as a relay team in either the walking or running sections for either the Half or 10km option.

Teams compete as a relay, each completing one or more sections of the course. Max 4 people.

What are the numbers looking like?

The numbers are looking really good so far with a total [at time of publication] of 262 entries which is really strong, but there are always a few late ones and a few that sign up of the day.

What’s changed this year? What’s making it the best Half Marathon in the CHB?

There are not too many changes to write home about. It’s a tried-and-true format that people that return know what they are going to get. Lets hope the out and back at the start is sorted and distance are right if you want that PB. I believe the timing has been updated this year so it will be good to see what that looks like. The cost to join in remain fairly low, as you would hope.

How does the day play out - meeting point, finish, tips for traveller’s and vehicle parking. Sequence of starts?

All participants must check in at the Waipukurau Racecourse Road, Waipukurau. This will be well sign posted.

There are on-the-day entries, however these are limited so it is best to enter online by midnight, Wednesday 11^thSeptember.

The Half Marathon (21.1km) course starts and finishes at the Waipukurau Racecourse, watch out for that South Westerly breeze.

As usual the 10km participants will be transported to the start line on Hatuma Road (from the racecourse) and finish at the Waipukurau Racecourse also.

The course takes in the entire circumference of Lake Whatumā, going in a clockwise direction. This mostly flat course, with a 5km stretch of undulations (around the 10-15km mark), provides for a very pleasant and scenic rural event that continues to attract both local and out-of-towners.

There is heaps of parking (designated parking area at the Racecourse), filling the area by Racecourse Road first. It’s all within walking distance from the start, busses and registration points.

Event Schedule

Prize giving occurs at the end at 12.30pm sharp. Prize winners must be present to claim their prize (and there is a few).

What’s great about the event?

Well like any grass root event it’s the volunteers both at the venue and out on the course. They are always super friendly and supportive and extremely vocal. There’s always a few toots from the locals as well. Last year there was a bloke on a bike cheering everybody 5 or so times each on their way to the finish.

What else is going on around the running?

There is a coffee cart available at the Rego/start/finish line and this year Central Hawke’s Bay College will be doing a BBQ as a fundraising opportunity.

Is there any merch, how good is it?

The merch is top draw, as always, you’ve missed out now and you will have to live without till next year.

There are heaps of spot prizes are on offer, but the major spot prize is a weekend for two in Napier valued at over $650. Make sure you are at the prizegiving to make sure you don’t miss out.

Remember if the day doesn’t go to plan maybe a coach could help for next year (shameless plug).

Sponsors, aways good to give them a shout out?

Make sure you check out who’s looking after the event this year, they are some of the reasons the entry prices remain low. Special shout out to the CHB District Council who continue to support local events.

As aways check your shoes are good to go. If your shoes are in good condition, you with have a great day and avoid injury. I am happy to have a look at them for you in the store or track me down at parkrun this weekend. There is lots going on at the moment and next week we will talk to one of the Peak Trail Blazer organisers, so look out for that in your inbox.

Also

More incentives to register for River Run Backyard Ultra brought to you by Shoe Science. There is a giveaway from Ledlenser NZ if you register soon. Shout out to Scott Waldrom who one a pair of $350 shoes from Shoe Science Havelock North, I don’t think he will wear them at river run as they are a bit speedy, so he might need to come and get another pair from us!