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
(From 1 January 2027)
$90
aged 20 and over
$80
youth aged 19 and under
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.
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 simply embrace the adventure—including a midwinter river crossing and a wee dram of whisky along the way.
Early Bird Pricing
(Until December 31 2026)
$85 (aged 20 and over)
$75 (youth aged 19 and under)
Distance
21.1km
Event Options
Run or walk
Date
17 July 2027
Location
Fairlie Village Green
Terrain
Gravel, trail, farmland and road
Key Features
River crossing, hill climb and whisky stop
Minimum Age
16 years
Course Closes
2pm
Race at a Glance
Standard Pricing
(From January 1 2027)
$90 (aged 20 and over)
$80 (youth aged 19 and under)
21.1km Start Times:
9.30am
Walkers and runners expecting to take three hours or longer
10.00am
Runners expecting to finish in 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.
.png)
Course Description
Get ready to experience the stunning landscapes of Fairlie with the Frontrunner Timaru 21.1km Half Marathon, whether you choose to run or walk. Starting at the Fairlie Village Green across the grass from the public toilets, this scenic course will take you through a blend of community charm and breathtaking natural beauty.
Begin your journey by heading towards Timaru, down Railway Place and around the concrete culvert opposite Moreh. Turning left, you’ll follow Gray St, then turn right into Mackenzie St. Then left on Talbot Rd, turning right into Buchanan Street. Turn right into Riverview Terrace then left to enter the Fairlie Domain. Here, you'll head onto the River Track.
As you descend the River Track to O'Connors Lane, you’ll venture left towards the river, crossing it and entering a farm track leading to Tondros Rd. Your first drink station awaits at the corner, which you'll visit again on your return. The course then challenges you with the Spur Rd hill, where you'll climb for 2.5 km to a second drink station at a scenic picnic table – a perfect spot to pause and admire the mountain views.
Continue for 3.8 km, passing 'The Run' on your left. Run further around the corner before turning right and entering a paddock. Here, on private land, a wee dram of whisky awaits to warm your spirits. Following the right-hand fence line, you’ll reach the steep Bridle Track, offering breathtaking mountain views all the way down. Re-emerging onto Tondros Rd, you’ll tackle a short climb before descending to your final drink station.
Turn left back towards the river, re-tracing your earlier steps. The last stretch leads you along the river track, back into the Domain. Head back up the hill to Riverview Terrace once more, left onto Buchannan Street. Take a right onto Talbot Road, crossing Gray St to the Village Green’s concrete path. The finish line awaits in the exciting finishing chute – race your way to victory and celebrate completing the beautiful and challenging Frontrunner Timaru 21.1km Half Marathon!
Additional Information
Drink Stations:
There are three drink stations on the Half Marathon course and participants will access one of them twice, adding up to 4 drink stations. All drink stations will have Fixx Fuel X drink, water, shortbread, fruit cake, first aid assistance, and if you've run far enough, you may just find a dram of whisky to go with the Scottish flair!
Prizes:
Prize money will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall Man and Woman runners across the finish line. 1st - $200 + entry into 2026 event. 2nd - $100. 3rd - $50.
All Half Marathon finishers will receive a Finisher Medal. Non-monetary prizes will be awarded to 1st placing in each age group category for Men and Women and will be based on participants mat time. All finishers also have the chance to win spot-prizes at the spot prize tent (at the finish line) and a major prize if attending the prizegiving at 2pm at the Community Hall.
Result Categories:
Preliminary timing results will be posted on the Village Green on race day. Timing results will be provided by age group category. Half marathon age group categories are as follows for men and women:19 years and under, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70 years +)
Walkers Honesty
Walkers will be issued a specific walkers race bib when entering the half marathon. This category is based on an honour system. The Walking category is for participants who intend to walk the entire course and compete against other 'walkers'. If you intend to run even one step on the course, please register as a 'runner'. Please ensure walkers start at the back behind the runners and keep to the left at all times.
Recommended Gear
The Fairlie Lions Mackenzie Half Marathon is a WINTER event so the gear list is recommended for your own safety. The drink/aid stations will supply you with nutrition at various points throughout the course, however we recommend that you come prepared for the winter weather.
Recommended gear:
> Long sleeved thermal/merino
> Woollen/Merino socks
> Good quality trail shoes that are capable of pushing water back out after river crossings
> Seam sealed jacket
> Woollen or thermal hat
> Woollen or thermal gloves
> Emergency/survival bag
> Any medication you require, including painkillers
Upon finishing the race, we recommend that you have a complete change of clothes, including woollen/merino socks.
If you have any questions regarding the recommended gear, please email info@mackhalfmarathon.co.nz
