Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon 2019 – Event Information

Only FIVE DAYS to go until this years festival of running in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park!

Spring time has brought with it warmer days which has helped melt away any snow on lower ground however a little sleet – snow is forecast during this week…  With this in mind and the nature of the event taking place in an alpine environment – the weather can change at any time – so please be prepared for all weather conditions!

EVENT REGISTRATION VENUE

Mount Cook Lodge – Friday 4th October 2019 (4pm – 8pm)

Mount Cook Lodge – Saturday 5th October 2019 (7am – 10am) *Last minute race number collection

Event Registrations take place at the Mount Cook Lodge / Chamois Bar & Grill – allowing comfortable space whilst waiting to collect your race numbers, packs, transponders together with event t-shirts and buffet tickets for those who have purchased the optional extras at the time of online registration.

EVENT MINI EXPO

Mount Cook Lodge – Friday 4th October 2019 (4pm – 8pm)

The team from Thermatech will have an expo set up next to the start / finish area for you all to browse and pick up some fantastic products from some of the best running brands in the land… You might just want to bring an extra bag for all your new goodies!

EVENT BUFFET DINNER VENUE

Chamois Bar & Grill – Friday 4th October (5:30pm – 8:30pm)

For those who have pre purchased buffet tickets for the Friday night – you will be catered for at the Chamois Bar and Grill located at the Mount Cook Lodge – which coincidently happens to be in the same location as the event registration and next to the start / finish line… 

When you arrive at registration you’ll be asked to specify what time you’d like to dine so we can ensure a smooth and relaxed dining experience.

EVENT START TIMES & BRIEFINGS

Mount Cook Lodge – Saturday 5th October 2019 – 8am onwards 

8:00am – Marathon

9:00am – Half Marathon

10:00am – 10km & 5km

Please make sure you are at the start line 10mins ahead of your event start time where you’ll be given last minute instructions so you can look forward to a fun and safe running experience…

RUNNING SAFETY

You will at all times run along the road facing oncoming traffic during the out and back course. You will turn around at your respective turn around distance whilst obeying the traffic management team’s instructions. Please stay on the side of the road at all times remembering that you are on a busy main road with traffic traveling in both directions… 

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…

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Protecting our environment

We are very fortunate to be able to host this awesome event in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and hope to do so for many years to come. Wanting to protect the beautiful environment that the event takes place please make sure that if you carry anything during the run that has a wrapper i.e.: energy gel, that you carry it with you for the duration of the event or dispose of any waste at the drink stations along the course.

HEADPHONES / MUSIC – 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. 

AWARDS CEREMONY

The awards ceremony will take place at approx 2pm at the Chamois Bar & Grill with the restaurant / cafeteria open for refreshments at the start / finish line for the duration of the event. If you are taking part in one of the shorter events you’ll be able to sit back and relax with a coffee or a celebratory beer or wine and watch all the runners and walkers cross the finish line.

We have some awesome sponsors giving away some amazing prizes inc: Thermatech, Salomon, Garmin, Buff, Tailwind Nutrition, Edmund Hillary Collection, Yakima, Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters. Got to be in it to WIN it!

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

There’s no question about it you’ll be on a high when running around in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – but if you are really keen to check out the mountain scenery up close and personal – best you check out the Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters Fun times ahead!

ALL INFO ONLINE

Everything you need to know about the event weekend is available online: Just one simple Click away! 

https://www.activeqt.co.nz/event/aoraki-mt-cook-marathon/

See you on the start line!

Cheers,

Adrian and the Aoraki Mount Cook Marathon Team