Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon

Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon - Event Schedule

Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon - Event Day Timetable

Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon - Event Entry Fees

Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon - Event Branded Merchandise

EVENT REFUND POLICY:

In the unfortunate circumstances a participant must withdraw prior to the event due to illness or injury they will NOT be eligible for a refund – however race entries can be transferred to another person or to the following year.

If the event has to be cancelled as a result of severe weather conditions including heavy rain, hail, snow, wind or severe heat or reasons beyond control *NO REFUNDS will be allocated – however registered participants will be eligible to register for the following years event benefiting from a discounted 20% off registration fee.

Under special circumstances event race registrations may be transferred to another Active QT event.

PLEASE NOTE: In the unfortunate circumstances Aprils event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19 all pre-registered participants race entries will be automatically transferred to a re-scheduled event whereby registered participants will be notified. If a participant cannot attend the re-scheduled event they must contact the Race Director prior to *date TBC and we will simply transfer their race entries to next years event. No refunds available. Under special circumstances race registrations may be transferred to another Active QT event.

EVENT DATE:

Saturday 5th April 2025

EVENT START TIMES:

8:00am Marathon 

9:00am Half Marathon 

10:00am 10km Run / Walk 

EVENT VENUE:

Mt Cook Lodge & Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Mount Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

REGISTRATIONS:

*Online Registrations open at midday on Friday 1st November 2024.

**All participants wanting event branded merchandise must order before 7:00pm *on Friday 7th March 2025.

***Online Registrations Close at *8:00pm on Wednesday 2nd April 2025.

EVENT REFUND POLICY:

In the unfortunate circumstances a participant must withdraw prior to the event due to illness or injury they will NOT be eligible for a refund – however race entries can be transferred to another person or to the following year.

If the event has to be cancelled as a result of severe weather conditions including heavy rain, hail, snow, wind or severe heat or reasons beyond control *NO REFUNDS will be allocated – however registered participants will be eligible to register for the following years event benefiting from a discounted 20% off registration fee.

Under special circumstances event race registrations may be transferred to another Active QT event.

PLEASE NOTE: In the unfortunate circumstances Aprils event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19 all pre-registered participants race entries will be automatically transferred to a re-scheduled event whereby registered participants will be notified. If a participant cannot attend the re-scheduled event they must contact the Race Director prior to *date TBC and we will simply transfer their race entries to next years event. No refunds available. Under special circumstances race registrations may be transferred to another Active QT event.

RACE NUMBERS & RACE PACKS:

Race Numbers and Race Packs can be collected on Friday 4th April 2024 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm at The Mt Cook Lodge / Chamois Bar & Grill located in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

Race packs can also be collected on race day at The Mt Cook Lodge / Chamois Bar & Grill between 7:00am and 9:30am on the day of the event.

If traveling to the event on race day – please allow enough time for travel, park and walk to collect your race items and warm up without rushing… Save your energy for the race!

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:

A certified traffic management professional will support the event to ensure the safety of all participants and all those involved with the success of the event. Please comply with all their requirements and guidelines on the day…

WEATHER / CONTINGENCY PLAN:

In the event of bad weather in particular a strong ‘Northerly’ wind, snow or heavy rain and flooding the event will be postponed until the weather is more favourable on race day. In the unfortunate circumstances the event has to be cancelled race entries will NOT be refunded however registered participants will be able to register for the following years event at a 20% discounted rate.

OFFICIALS:

All participants are to follow and obey the instructions of the race officials and follow the Red arrow markers along the course.

DRINK STATIONS:

Participants are responsible to carry their own food and hydration for the duration of the marathon – however water and sports beans will be readily available at EIGHT checkpoints located approx every 5KM along the marathon course.

CHANGING FACILITIES & TOILETS:

Portaloos will be available for participants near to the start / finish in the car park behind the Mt Cook Lodge in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

AWARDS CEREMONY:

The awards ceremony will take place approx 2:00pm on Race Day at the Chamois Bar & Grill / Mt Cook Lodge in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

CAR PARKING:

There is limited parking in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Please do NOT park your vehicle at any of the accomodation car parks unless you are staying at that particular location. There are a couple of car parks and designated areas in the village and marshals together with directional arrows will point you in the right direction on the day.

The majority of parking available on the day of the event will be along SH80 before you reach the Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Please look out for the marshals and obey their instructions when you parking your vehicle… Do not at any time park in areas instructed not to… Thanks in advance…

REFRESHMENTS:

There is a plentiful variety of wholesome food and snacks as well as hot and cold drinks available at the Hermitage Hotel in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

FIRST AID:

In the unlikely event of an emergency, first aiders will be located around the course and at the START / FINISH. Qualified personnel will be assessing participants during the race to make sure that everyone is in a fit and good physical condition to continue.

RACE WITHDRAWAL:

In the unfortunate situation a participant must withdraw from the event you must inform the nearest checkpoint staff and wait with them until the last participant passes the checkpoint and then be escorted – transported to the finish line accordingly.

ACCIDENT REPORTING:

In the unfortunate circumstances a participant has an accident during the race – please (if you can) make your way to the nearest checkpoint and notify the first aid staff. If a participant cannot make it to the next checkpoint as a result of injury – the participant must stay in the area of cause of injury and does not deviate from the course whilst also use their compulsory gear as required whilst also notifying other participants of their injury for them to in turn notify the next checkpoint staff. Whilst waiting for assistance the participant must stay in the location where they obtained their injury and the first aid team will come to them.
Should another participant assist another injured runner; they are to take note of the time spent assisting the injured person and this time will be deducted from their overall time upon notification at the finish line.

INSURANCE:

It is recommended that participants traveling from overseas obtain appropriate travel insurance taking in to consideration they are taking part in a sporting event in the event of a medical emergency.

EVENT REFUND POLICY:

If in the unfortunate circumstances a participant must withdraw from the event due to ill health or injury – NO REFUNDS will be allocated – only race entry transfers to the following year or race entry transfer to another participant will be permitted. Should you need to withdraw and / or transfer your race entry – please notify the Race Director as soon as possible.

If the event has to be cancelled as a result of severe weather conditions including heavy rain, hail, snow, wind or severe heat or reasons beyond control *NO REFUNDS will be allocated – however registered participants will be eligible to register for the following years event benefiting from a discounted 20% off registration fee.

PLEASE NOTE: In the unfortunate circumstances Aprils event has to be cancelled due to COVID-19 all pre-registered participants race entries will be automatically transferred to a re-scheduled event whereby registered participants will be notified. If a participant cannot attend the re-scheduled event they must contact the Race Director prior to *date TBC and we will simply transfer their race entries to next years event. No refunds available. Under special circumstances race registrations may be transferred to another Active QT event.

NO GO – sorry!
With all events taking place on the road – music / headphones are NOT allowed during the event for obvious safety reasons.
With the nature of the event taking place in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – DOGS are NOT allowed.

WASTE:

The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth and we want it to stay this way. Please dispose of any waste in the rubbish bins provided at checkpoint s throughout the race and at the start / finish area. Should any runner be caught littering in the park they will instantly be disqualified. Likewise should a support crew member be caught littering – they will be reported and their runner will also be instantly disqualified.

All events will follow out and back courses starting and finishing at the Mt Cook Lodge in the Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Runners and walkers can look forward to amazing mountain views alongside the shores of Lake Pukaki. You’ll be surprised how different the scenery is running in different directions…

***The Marathon Event is TWO laps of the Half Marathon Course!!!

Click HERE to view all running courses.

Click HERE to view Half Marathon and Marathon Course Profiles

Click HERE to view 10km Course Profile

Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon weekend – Accommodation and Adventure Activities

For all your accomodation and adventure needs – click HERE

ACCOMODATION:

The Hermitage Hotel – Aoraki Mount Cook Village

From an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouth-watering culinary dining adventure. The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect place to base your adventure and discover why this region has endeared itself to Kiwi adventure seekers for so long. Choose from premium hotel rooms, self-contained motel units or cozy chalets.

Mt Cook Lodge & Chalets:

Mt Cook Lodge & Chalets offers a great range of accommodation options for today’s backpackers and budget conscious travellers. All rooms including en-suite bathrooms, quality linen, refrigerators and a patio or balcony so you can soak up the stunning mountain views.

Glentanner Park:

Glentanner Park offers a range of Mt Cook accommodation and is the only fully equipped campground and Campervan Park for the Mount Cook region New Zealand, as well as the activity centre for flight-seeing and other Mt Cook activities. Located just 18km from Mt Cook National Park.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES:

Glacier Explorers:

The only tour of its kind in New Zealand. An amazing encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Explore, learn and discover the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake in a custom-built MAC Boat with your experienced guide.

Tasman Valley 4WD & Argo Tours:

A unique 4WD & Argo adventure with incredible views of the Tasman Glacier, its terminal lake and gigantic moraine walls. Learn about the area and take a short walk to a vantage point overlooking the Tasman Glacier providing one of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Big Sky Stargazing:

Mount Cook is far from the city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand. Begin with an introduction in our Theatre Planetarium before our informative astronomy guides take you to our outdoor stargazing site. Use state-of-the-art telescopes, high powered binoculars and the naked eye, put your newly acquired knowledge into practice, identifying and exploring different elements of the spectacular southern sky.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre:

A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary the centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. The theatre is the only in the world with 2D, 3D and Digital Dome Planetarium, contained within the same space. The museum showcases the history of the Mount Cook region through transport, climbing, The Hermitage Hotel and pioneer extraordinaire, Sir Edmund Hillary himself.

Mount Cook Ski Planes:

Mount Cook Ski Planes – join us on a spectacular Ski Plane or Helicopter flight in Aoraki / Mt Cook and Westland National Parks, South Island, New Zealand… You’ll be amazed!

Experience a touch of adventure with Mount Cook Ski Planes. No zoom lens required, your flight with us begins in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, flying past our highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook and landing you on the Tasman Glacier. You will then fly across the Main Divide of the Southern Alps to view the sweeping coastline and stunning alpine vistas of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. You choose how you would like to experience this spectacular scenery with us from our fleet of aircraft including; PC6 Pilatus Porter Ski Planes and Cessna 185 Ski Planes.

Mount Cook Ski Planes are the only company offering scenic flights with both fixed wing Ski Planes from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport, right in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (a World Heritage Area), only a few kilometres from Mount Cook Village and The Hermitage Hotel.

It is our great privilege to be the only company approved to land on the mighty Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. Our highly experienced mountain pilots are waiting to share with you their wealth of knowledge of this truly unique alpine environment.

Glentanner Horse Trekking:

Guided Horse Treks on Glentanner Station. Panoramic views of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding Alps, and Lake Pukaki. Suitable for beginners to experienced riders. 1/2hr, 1hr, 2hr and 3hr treks. Riders must be 100kg or less, and over the age of 10.