Sun to Surf, a picture postcard half-marathon

Sun to Surf is a unique and exciting oceanside event, which will take place on the final day of daylight saving. Starting in the late afternoon allowing competitors to run into the twilight from the scenic township of Whakatāne to the stunning finish on NZ's Best Loved Beach.

The picture postcard half-marathon route, which combines 80 per cent road with 20 per cent of attractive trail, starts by the iconic bronze statue of Wairaka at Whakatāne Heads and then through the beach township before hitting the signature 1.7km 7.6% gradient climb up the native tree lined Hillcrest Road. 

"If you want to try something new and quintessentially Kiwi the Sun to Surf ticks all the boxes,"

The route then continues on the road to Ōhope traversing the new Ōhope Harbourside Trail before the final 1km tracks along the hard-packed white sand to the finish at the Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue on Ōhope Beach.

Besides the Sun to Surf Half Marathon, the inaugural beachside running festival will also offer the Surf Strider 10km and Sun Run & Walk 5km. There is something for everyone, from the more competitive athlete to the beginner. 

 "The inspiration for the Sun to Surf Half Marathon is creating an event that connects two iconic destinations in the Eastern Bay of Plenty - Whakatāne and Ōhope," explains Jason Cameron of Victory Events, a highly-respected event management organisation which have put on events throughout the North Island for 15 years.

"The point to point nature of the course serves up many special sites and stunning views along the route and with the event ending on New Zealand's most loved beach, it is something unique for the participants."

The event will feature an elite athlete component and Edgecumbe-based Sjors Corporaal, who finished runner-up in the 2018 Rotorua Marathon, is relishing the prospect of competing in his home region.

"I'm looking forward to the challenging climb out of Whakatāne and the last 10km from the Surf Club to Ōhope Beach. I believe it will be an honest course where pace judgement, coming off the top of the climb, will be crucial." explains Corporaal, an eight-time winner of the Goat Tongariro trail running event.

Sun to Surf will also tap into the unique beach vibe of the region with post-race live music, entertainment, craft food and beverage stalls at the Surf & Sand Beachfront Venue. Event awards will also take place at 7pm with a special beach bonfire to provide a fitting finale to the event complete with live music.

"If you want to try something new and quintessentially Kiwi the Sun to Surf ticks all the boxes," adds Cameron. "For anyone interested in a fitness challenge or having an authentic event experience, come down to the beautiful Bay and make a weekend of it."

See you there!