The Copthorne Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5km event and Little Devils race

Join us in Rotorua for this fantastic run/walk event on Sunday the 3rd of March 2019 in the stunning Whakawerawera Forest! Every competitor that finishes the Copthorne Rotorua Off Road Half Marathon, from the Half Marathon to the Little Devils race will receive a finishers medal.

NEW for 2019 Family Pass!
This is for 2 adults and up to 3 children (children aged 3yrs – 16yrs). This is applicable for all events as long as the children meet the event age restriction. Email jenna@eventpromotions.co.nz if you would like to enter using the family pass.

Sunday 3rd March 2019

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21km

Copthorne Rotorua Half Marathon

The event is a two lap course utilising scenic trails and smooth gravel forest roads. Entrants must be 16 years of age or older on event day. There will be a cut off time for the Half Marathon to commence your second lap.

10.5km

Mitre 10 Mega Quarter Marathon

This event completes one lap of the course utilising scenic forest trails and smooth gravel forest roads. Entrants must be 12 years of age or older on event day.

5km

Red Stag Timber 5km Fun Run/Walk

This non-competitive event completes one lap of the course utilising scenic forest trails and smooth gravel forest roads. Competitors must be 10 years or older on race day.

1.5/2.5km

Lance Lawson Little Devils 1.5km & 2.5km

A 1.5km fun run/walk for children aged 3 to 6 years and a 2.5km fun run/walk for children aged 7 to 10 years. Both options are non-competitive, fully supervised and take place prior to the adult events starting.

Course Information

All events are based at the Waipa Sawmill Recreation area adjacent to the mountain bike carpark.

The course starts and finishes at the Waipa MTB carpark setting off down Pohaturoa Road to allow runners to spread out before entering the incredible Pohaturoa Track popping out onto Nursery Road and then heading along the stunning Puarenga Track up Larch Road onto the smooth forestry road Red Tank Road following Nursery back then entering Radio Hut Road at the far end and linking down onto another stunning part of the Whakawerawera Forest the Mud Pool Loop and back to the start.

Travel 2km south of Rotorua on the Rotorua-Taupo Highway (SH5), turn left into Waipa Mill Road and the registration marquee is 500m from this corner on your left. Car park marshalls will direct you to the designated parking areas. The registration, start, finish and prizegivings are all held in this recreation reserve.

The course will follow a mixture of smooth gravel forest roads and scenic forest trails.

The half marathon course is made up of a 10.5km loop followed by a 10.6km loop has been designed to be achievable by competitors of all abilities. The Half Marathon course has a cut off time for the first lap of 2 hour 15 mins.

The Quarter marathon course is made up of one 10.5km loop.

The 5km fun run/walk is one smaller loop, on forestry roads and walking tracks.

Course Elevation

Event Information

Entry Fees

Early Bird Entry Fees until 19th February
Half Marathon (Includes Finishers Medal): $50.00
Quarter Marathon (Includes Finishers Medal): $40.00
5.5km Run/Walk (Includes Finishers Medal): $35.00
Little Devils event (Includes Finishers Medal): $10.00

Entry fees from 20th February
Half Marathon (Includes Finishers Medal): $60.00
Quarter Marathon (Includes Finishers Medal): $50.00
5.5km Run/Walk (Includes Finishers Medal): $45.00
Little Devils event (Includes Finishers Medal): $15.00

NEW Family Pass
For 2019 we are introducing a family pass!!
This is for 2 adults and up to 3 children (children aged 3yrs – 16yrs)
This is applicable for all events as long as the children meet the event age restriction.
Email jenna@eventpromotions.co.nz if you would like to enter using the family pass.

On the day entries
Late entries will be accepted up to half an hour prior to the start of your race on race day at the event registration. No eftpos or credit card facilities will be available at registration on the Sunday, cash or cheque only. Do not send postal entries after the 1st March as they will not be received in time for processing, please enter at registration.

Payment Details

Enter online – Credit card only.

Postal entries – Cheque or direct deposit only. Please post to Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon, PO Box 324, Rotorua. Cheques made payable to Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon. Direct deposit can be made into the Event Promotions account 12-3162-0075818-61 using your name as reference. If paying by direct deposit please include proof of payment with entry.

How to Enter

Click here to Enter Online (Credit or Debt Card Only).

Click here to Download Entry Form.

– Post it in to PO Box 324, Rotorua with a cheque made up to ‘Off Road Half’

– Post it in to PO Box 324, Rotorua with proof of bank deposit payment. Please pay bank deposit into ASB Taupo 12-3162-0075818-61 using your name as reference.

Email it to info@eventpromotions.co.nz with proof of bank deposit payment. Please pay bank deposit into ASB Taupo 12-3162-0075818-61 using your name as reference.

Entry Confirmation
You will receive confirmation of your entry and team number via email when you enter. Please print this out and bring along to registration. You can also check your entry by clicking here and looking at our confirmed entrant list. (Link to come).

Event Day Timetable

Event Day Timetable – Sunday 3 March 2019
7.30am – 10.30am: Registration in main marquee at Waipa Recreation Area.
9.00am: Start of the Lance Lawson Little Devils 1.5km Fun Run/Walk (3 – 6 yrs)
9.10am: Start of the Lance Lawson Little Devils 2.5km Fun Run/Walk ( 7 – 10yrs)
10.00am: Start of the Copthorne Half Marathon
10.15am: Little Devils Prize-giving
11.00am: Start of the Mitre 10 Mega Quarter Marathon Fun Run/Walk
11.15am: Start of the Redstag Timber 5km Fun Run/Walk
12.05pm: Cut off for the first lap of the Copthorne Half Marathon
1.30pm: Prize-giving

Registration/Race Bag Collection
Registration/Race Bag Collection is on Sunday morning only between 7.30am and 10.30am within the main marquee at the Waipa Sawmill Recreation area. Please bring your registration confirmation with you to assist the registration process. Late entries will be accepted on the day up until 10.30am.

NO eftpos facilities available. Cash or cheque only please.

Every competitor receives…
All competitors receive a race bag filled with goodies from our fantastic sponsors, including a bottle of Loaded sports drink, Craisins, FREE HELL PIZZA (vouchers) personalised race number, first aid, event support, on-line certificate, electronic timing plus a chance to win one of the numerous spot prizes.

Final Competitors Information
Click here to download your final competitor notes

Refunds/Transfers

Refund Policy

Refunds up until the 24th of February will incur a $10.00 administration fee. There will be no refunds from the 25th of February 2019. In the case of a natural disaster, closure of the forest due to high winds or other uncontrollable factors, “Act of God” conditions causing the cancellation of the event, entry fees will not be refunded. Please contact 07 3483301 or jenna@eventpromotions.co.nz if you need to withdraw from the event.

Transfers/Changes

Transfers to another person or to a different distance can be made up until the 27th of February. Please contact 07 3483301 or jenna@eventpromotions.co.nz prior to this date. After this date, any changes will need to be made at registration on the day.

Event Rules

Half Marathon Cut off Time
The Half Marathon course has a cut off time for the first lap (10.5km) of 2 hours and 5 mins. Prize giving will still proceed at 1.30pm, if competitors win a prize a representative can come up or the competitors can collect once they have completed the event.

Aid Stations
Water stations are available at the 4km, 8.5km, 10.5km and finish area for the Quarter Marathon. Water stations are available at the 4km, 8.5km, 10.5km, 15km, 18km, 21.1km and finish area for the Half Marathon.

Toilets are available at the start/finish area.

Walkers
We value our walkers and wish to ensure that the experience of taking part in either of these great off-road events in Rotorua is a positive experience for all competitors. We rely on entrant’s integrity that walkers WALK the complete event. Please participate in the spirit of the event and abide by the walking criteria. Any walking competitor seen running will automatically be classified in the running results. No correspondence will be entered into.

Event Rules
The event is conducted by officials and friends of the Lake City Athletic club and conducted under the rules of Athletics NZ. Participants shall adhere to all marshals and officials instructions. Decisions of race officials will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Event race numbers are to be placed on the front of your singlet or shirt. No Ipods or headphones are to be worn in any of these events, no exceptions.

Prize Giving

Prize-giving will be held at 1.30pm from the stage truck at Waipa Recreation Area.

Major Prizes
Copthorne Hotel Accommodation packages
Mitre 10 Mega Rotorua $1500 worth of prizes
1-Day Vouchers
Timex Watches

Merit Prizes
Medals and merit prizes will be awarded in the Copthorne Hotel Half Marathon and the Mitre 10 Mega Quarter Marathon only to the first three runners and the first three walkers in each of the following grades (age as on event day)

Running Grade     Walking Grade
16 – 34                              16 – 39
35 – 44                              40 plus
45 – 54
55+
Competitors must be present at prize-giving to receive merit prizes.

Finishers Medals
Every competitor that finishes any of the events from the Half Marathon to the little Devils race will receive one of our stunning finishers medal

Spot Prizes
The major spot prizes will be drawn during prize-giving at 1.30pm. Watch this space for some of the awesome spotties that will be up for grabs! Competitors must be present at prize-giving to be eligible for spot prizes.

Training Tools

The Lake City Athletic Club, Rotorua, conducts training sessions towards the Copthorne Off Road Half Marathon and the Rotorua Marathon.
The three times a week runners sessions commence Sunday 21 January 2018 and cater for the seasoned athlete or the beginner.
Whether you are a runner or walker there are sections for those aiming for a 10km event; a half marathon; or the full marathon distance around Lake Rotorua .
The walkers marathon distance sessions are underway, but those wishing to tackle a shorter distance can be catered via their three times a week activities.

Contact info@lakecity.co.nz for further information giving your background; current fitness levels; a runner or walker; and a phone number”.

Training Schedule – Half Marathon (For Quarter Marathon, halve times)
Weeks to go      Monday (easy/flat)      Wednesday (hills)       Weekend (slow)
10                           20 min                                   20 min                                  30 min
9                              25 min                                   25 min                                  35 min
8                              30 min                                  30 min                                  40 min
7                              35 min                                   35 min                                  45 min
6                              40 min                                  40 min                                  50 min
5                              45 min                                  45 min                                   60 min
4                              45 min                                  45 min                                   75min
3                              50 min                                  50 min                                  90 min
2                              50 min                                  60 min                                  90 min
1                              50 min                                  50 min                                  HALF MARATHON DAY!

Training Tips
Training Tip #1 – Train on hills.
There aren’t too many hills in the off-road half but the ones that are there can slow you down significantly if you aren’t trained for them. Add a hill reps session to your programme once a week but make sure your form isn’t compromised – you want to run them strong.

Training Tip #2 – Check your shoes
You don’t need to wear specialty trail shoes for this race but you do need to wear shoes that are suited for your feet and aren’t worn out from past runs. Do the twist test to check – hold your shoe at each end and twist. It should feel firm. And old shoe, or one that doesn’t have proper support will twist easily.

Training Tip #3 – Eating on the run
If you are new to running long distances you might need to eat during the race. Start practicing now on your long and middle distance runs. You want to make sure that the fuel you are taking on board doesn’t create any gut issues as well as teach your digestive system that this will happen.

Training Tip #4 – Practice passing runners in close proximity.
There are some sections of the race where you will run on singletrack or narrow footpath. Chances are you will want to get past. Practice running with others and take turns to pass one another as close as you can get. You will improve your confidence on race day.

Training Tip #5 – Run less to run faster
Add a couple of cross-training sessions to your weekly routine to give your running legs a break. Swimming is great for aerobic fitness while pilates and yoga can help your flexibility and core strength.

Training Tip #6 – Increase your pace
Include a section of increased pace at the end of your long runs to get used to adding a kick when you’re almost finished and starting to feel tired. Anything from five to 15 minutes will help and could be the difference between fading in the final kilometre or passing several others.

Training Tip #7 – Make sure you taper.
The final two weeks before your race are when you should reduce your training significantly, in the last week you want to be running easy and only for short distances. You have already built up your fitness, now you can only refine it. Don’t add in workouts you have missed or take part in strenuous activity.

Accommodation

Copthorne Hotel Rotorua
Special accommodation rates are available at the Copthorne Hotel Rotorua on Fenton Street. The recently refurbished hotel has excellent facilities to help you unwind after any event, or relax with your family. Facilities include spa, heated pool, tennis court and gym. Only a five minute drive from the event!

Enjoy the atmosphere and fabulous cuisine at the Jimmy Cooks Kiwi Kitchen & Bar. Our talented chefs create exciting and delicious flavours from the finest fresh and local produce. Sample home grown dishes from our menu or choose a selection from the Sumptuous Buffet. We look forward to seeing you.

For bookings or other enquires please call 0508 747686 or email copthornerotorua@millenniumhotels.co.nz and quote the Rotorua Off-road Half Marathon.

Results