Half Marathon (21.1km)

Entry 
Entries for the 2013 Ascot Park Hotel Southland Festival of Running are not open at present.

For all event queries please email events@sportsouthland.co.nz

Communication 
Pre-event information will be corresponded via your registration email address and the Southland Festival of Running website. Please check these regularly to ensure you don't miss out on any vital information.


Race Categories 
Your category is determined by your age on race day. 
The Open category is any age up to 40 on race day. 
The Masters category is 40 and above on race day. 


Preparation 
Click Here for training advice  

Competitor Transport 
Your Half Marathon entry fee includes a bus transport service to the start line at Waianawa should you opt for this. We do require you to indicate if you require transport when you enter the event so we can book the buses accordingly. 
Departure for the Half Marathon is from the Stadium Southland car park at 8.30am. 

Start
Getting to the start line 
Waianiwa is 21km from Invercargill and is the start of the Half Marathon. 
Driving to Waianiwa Hall will take approximately 20 minutes from Invercargill. 
Upon arrival at Waianiwa Hall, please follow the directions of marshals, as to where to park and/or drop off competitors.

Registration 
Registration will take place at Sport Southland, SBS Sports House, Stadium Southland, Isabella Street on Friday 9th November 8.30am - 6.00pm; and Saturday 10th November 10.00am - 1.00pm and 3.00pm - 5.00pm.
A further pre-start check will be held at the Waianawa Hall prior to the start - also where uncollected race packs will be available. 

Entrant List 
Click here to view the entrants for the Southland Half Marathon event.

Race Numbers
Race numbers are allocated to competitors upon the closing of entries. Your race number will be in your race pack that you collect at Registration. The race number must be attached to your front for the entire event. Attach your race number to your front in the centre of your top using the 4 safety pins provided.

Race Briefing
A compulsory race briefing will be held at the start line of the Half Marathon. The briefing contains important safety information that you need to know to complete the course. 

Timing / Transponders 
Timing is completed using an electronic timing system. Sport Southland provides this service for the event. 
All competitors will receive a transponder which will be in your race pack that you collect at Registration. The transponder is a type of velcro 'bracelet' that you strap around your ankle and wear for the entire race. If the transponder is not on your ankle you may not receive an official time. They contain small electronic chips in them that record your time as you cross the timing mats. 
Once you have crossed the finish line, please return your transponder to one of the marshals. If you do not finish the event, please return your transponder to one of the marshals at the finish line. 
If your transponder is not returned, you will incur a $50.00 replacement fee.

Course
Course Overview 
The Half Marathon starts adjacent to the Waianiwa School. 
The course follows Waianiwa to Argyle corner using the Argyle Otahuti Rd (approximately 2.5kms) thereafter joining the usual route… 
Riverton-Invercargill Highway from Argyle Corner to Lorneville (Cooper's Corner) 
North Road to Bainfield Road 
Bainfield Road to Queens Drive 
Queens Drive to Yarrow Street 
Finishes at Surrey Park/Stadium Southland. 
Bus transport leaves the Stadium Southland car park for the Half Marathon at 8.30am. 
Competitors still on the course after 1.15pm may be withdrawn to release traffic management and marshals.

Course maps
Click here to download a map of the course and elevation profile of the course

What's provided on the Course
Drop bags: you can leave your gear bags on the bus prior to the start of your event. These will be available for collection from the Invercargill Athletics Clubrooms at the Surrey Park Athletics Track.
Aid stations: at each drink station, water, Powerade and sponges will be available at approximately 5km intervals.

Station No
1 0km to go Finish Area
2 2km to go Centre For Blind
3 5.6km to go Waikiwi RFC on Bainfield Rd
4 10.3km to go Whitehouse rail overbridge [10k pre-start]
5 15km to go Wallacetown @ Jacksons Plumbing

Toilets: toilets / portaloos will be available along the course at varying intervals. 
4.5km to go Thomsons Bush 
10.3km to go Whitehouse rail overbridge [10k start] 
15km to go Wallacetown @ Jacksons Plumbing 

Course Safety 
Safety is paramount. The long-term viability of the Event hinges on a good safety record. Organisers have taken all possible steps to ensure safety of competitors and the public but we need your help! 
All entrants must abide by the following rules: 
The race number must be worn on the front and must not have any part removed or disfigured. 
There are no road closures and entrants must obey all road safety rules. 
Entrants must follow instructions from marshals at all times. 
All entrants must attend the race briefing held at the start line of the Half Marathon. 
Runners must not be paced or accompanied by cyclists, vehicles or un-entered runners. Support vehicles must park only in designated areas, well off the road and clear of competitors. 
Due to safety reasons, competitors/participants are prohibited from using i-pods and MP3 style devices during the event. 
The half marathon is open to all ages, although organisers have the right to require further information about entrants under 16 and if necessary refuse entry. 
The Half Marathon is conducted under Athletics NZ rules.

Potential Hazards 
Oncoming Vehicles: As there are no road closures on the course normal road rules apply throughout the duration of the event. Emergency vehicles and race officials will be constantly moving around the main bunches so keep any eye out for oncoming vehicles at any time. 

Nutrition and Dehydration: You are responsible for your own fuel. There will be numerous aid stations along the course, but make sure you stay hydrated and keep nutrition levels up throughout the course.

Finish 
Parking 
We recommend supporters and spectators park in the Stadium Southland carpark.  

Finishing the Race 
All runners/walkers will finish on the Surrey Park track through the finishing chute, across the finish line timing mats and into the finisher's arena. 
Once you enter the finisher's arena, a competitor only area, there will be volunteers available to assist you in taking off your transponder. All transponders must be returned at the finish line otherwise you will incur a $50.00 replacement fee. 
Everyone who completes the Half Marathon will be rewarded with a Powerade beverage. 

Prizegiving 
Prizegiving will be held at the Ascot Park Hotel . 
Doors will open and refreshments will be served from 12.00pm. 
Prizegiving will start at 2.00pm. 

Prizes & Trophies 
Prize money will be awarded to the first three place getters in the Open and Masters Categories. 
All runners/walkers are eligible for spot prizes but they must be in attendance at the prizegiving. 

Supporters
Supporters are more than welcome at both the Waianiwa start line and at the finish at Surrey Park in Invercargill. Only competitors, marshals, official event support vehicles and emergency vehicles are allowed within the runners on the course.

Local Information 
For further information about Invercargill, the finishing location, CLICK HERE. 

Recommended Routes to the Start 
CLICK HERE to download a route map of the drive to Waianiwa from Invercargill.

Terms and Conditions of Entry
CLICK HERE to download the terms and conditions of entry