Frontrunner Timaru
21.1KM
Half Marathon
Not your average
Half Marathon
Take on 21.1km of gravel roads, river trails, farmland and hill climbs, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Mackenzie region. Run it, walk it, race it or embrace the adventure — including a midwinter river crossing and a wee dram of whisky along the way.
EVENT OPTIONS
RACE AT A GLANCE
DISTANCE
21.1km
Run or Walk
EVENT OPTIONS
DATE
17 July 2027
LOCATION
Fairlie Village Green
TERRAIN
Gravel, trail,
farmland & road
KEY FEATURES
River crossing, hill climb and whisky stop
MINIMUM AGE
16 years and older
PRICING
21.1KM START TIME
EARLY BIRD PRICING
(Until 31 December 2026)
$85
aged 20 and over
$75
youth aged 19 and under
STANDARD PRICING
$90
youth aged 19 and under
(From 1 January 2027)
aged 20 and over
$80
9.30am
Walkers and runners expecting to take three hours or longer
10.00am
Runners expecting to finish under three hours
Please choose your start time based on your expected finish time on our hilly, mixed-terrain course.
With two start waves, the first person across the finish line may not be the overall winner. Placings are based on official recorded times.
VIEW THE 2027 RACE RULES
Yes, your feet will get wet!
Our midwinter river crossing is a Mackenzie tradition
CROSS THE RIVER
CLIMB SPUR ROAD
A testing climb through open Mackenzie country with views worth every step. This is the hill that just keeps on giving!
A wee dram awaits on private farmland, bring a touch of Scottish spirit to the course.
FIND THE WHISKY
FINISH IN FAIRLIE
Cross the line at the Village Green for a warm welcome, great food, music and community celebrations.
THE COURSE
Starting and finishing at the Fairlie Village Green, the course follows the river track before a midwinter river crossing. You'll then climb Spur Road, with spectacular views across the Mackenzie Basin.
From the whisky stop on private farmland, it's onto the Bridle Track and back through the river crossing to the finish.
21.1km of gravel roads, trails and farmland
Approx. elevation gain - 290m
Total elevation gain - 366m
The course crosses private property and is only accessible on race day.
EXPLORE THE COURSE IN DETAIL
AID STATIONS
You'll pass 4 aid stations during the race.
KM 5
KM 9
KM 12
KM 16
Fixx Fuel X, Water, Fruit cake, Shortbread
Fixx Fuel X, Water, Fruit cake, Shortbread
WHISKY STOP - Fixx Fuel X, Water, Fruit cake, Shortbread
Fixx Fuel X, Water, Fruit cake, Shortbread
Toilets available at the start/finish and at selected aid stations as seen on map
YOUR ENTRY INCLUDES
Professional timing
Race bib and on-course support
Aid stations and first aid
Finisher medal
Finish line refreshment
Eligibility for spot prizes and major prizes drawn at prizegiving
ENTERED AS A WALKER
This is a competitive walking category. You must walk the entire course.
Anyone planning to jog or run at any stage should enter the running category. The walking category is based on an honesty system and walkers will be issued a specific walker race bib.
Walkers start at 9.30am and should position themselves behind the runners.
PREPARE FOR A MACKENZIE WINTER
Trail shoes
recommended
Warm and
waterproof
layers
Hat and
gloves
Bring dry clothing
for after the
race
Conditions can be cold and change quickly. More detailed gear requirements will be confirmed in the race rules.
PRIZES, MEDALS & TIMING
Overall prizes for the first 3 male and female runners and walkers
Age group awards for male and
female runners
and walkers
Finisher medal
for every
participant
Spot prizes at end
of race and major
prizes drawn at
prize giving
All results are based of official chip time from your start wave.