Eight free reasons Coromandel Students should enter the Aon Whitianga Marathon

With Aon Whitianga Marathon organisers providing free entry for all Coromandel students, this family friendly event is an awesome opportunity to experience what is expected to be a fun day that will host over 2,000 participants and supporters. 

We’re encouraging as many young people to get involved across any of our 5km to 42km walk run categories as part of our Run for Good programme. We have running and walking categories that everyone can enjoy as individuals, groups or families. It’s a fantastic day that has the opportunity to provide young people with a day of fun, and past students have reported they enjoyed the real sense of achievement they felt in completing their chosen course. Many friends and family’s have particularly enjoyed the 10km and 5km distances together - with supporters cheering them on.

Nick Reader – Event Organiser Element Events 

Eight reasons students should enter the Whitianga Marathon 

Feedback from 2021 Whitianga Marathon participants overwhelmingly reported that they not only enjoyed the breathtaking views of the courses, but were also ‘blown away’ with the support from the local course marshals and aid stations crews. Participants felt that it was like the whole town was hosting and supporting participants in the event. 

Here are eight great reasons students can (and are) entering the run or walk  Whitianga Maraton categories: 

1. It can be really fun – surprise yourself and get involved!
2. It’s free and easy to enter – see how to enter below
3. Whether your sporty or a bit more relaxed – make your walk or run as competitive or relaxed as YOU want 
4. Compete as an individual or groups – a challenge to do yourself or with friends and family 
5. A goal you can achieve for 2022 – tick this off - get the medal, get the photos and bragging rights!
6. Flat short course options  – great for those new to the competition and a fast course for the competitive
7. Scenic course – enjoy the amazing views on the day
8. Enter a category that suits your fitness level - whether you're an athlete or couch potato you can do this!

And it's been reported by previous competitors that when you're active, setting goals like competing a Whitianga run/walk course, hanging out with others, you just feel better! Tell your mates, get your parents or caregivers involved, do the event as a group – its your race at your pace!

How do Coromandel students enter for free? 

It easy and only takes two minutes for Coromandel school students to enter for free by going to the Whitianga Marathon online entry page to:

1. Fill in your registration details
2. Use free entry codes for each school as follow  
   • Mercury Bay Area School code: MBASMARATHON
   • Te Rererenga School code: TERRERENGASCHOOL
   • Tairua School code: TAIRUASCHOOL
   • Thames primary and secondary schools: THAMESSCHOOL
   • Whangamata Area School code: WHANGAMATASCHOOL
   • Coromandel Area School code: COROSCHOOL
   • Home schoolers: Hmeschlcoro  (Home Schooled kids).
3. You’re entered – see you at the event!

 *Handy hint – If you are entering multiple competitors you can create a group.

If you are at a Coromandel school and have any questions or want your students to get involved get in contact with the Aon Whitianga Marathon organising team. 

Whitianga Marathon Course Details and Age Categories 

The Whitianga Marathon includes the following walk/run options:

• 5km - Buffalo Beach to Brophy’s beach
• 10km - Buffalo Beach, Whitianga Marina, Whitianga Harbour, Lovers Rock, backroads and back to beachfront
• 21km - Buffalo Beach, Whitianga Marina, Whitianga Harbour, Lovers Rock,Whitianga Waterways, South Highway, Joan Gaskell, Kupe Drive and back to Buffalo beach
• Cooks Beach ½ Marathon 22.5km - same as first half of marathon course, views of Mercury Bay, Shakespeare Cliff Reserve trails, Cooks Beach highlights including Purangi Estuary, off road forest trails, ferry back to Whitianga Buffalo and Brophys beach
• 42km Marathon -  first half same as above, and then on to the ferry to complete the second 21km in Whitianga. 

For more information about the marathon and to download the course details go to the Sport and Recreation event pages on All About Whitianga. 

What is Run for Good? 

The Whitianga Marathon event organisers want the Marathon event to have a really positive impact on the local  community. Their aim is to  tread lightly on the environment by not using any cups at aid stations, using recycled wooden medals and donating to local environmental charities. They also provide fundraising opportunities for local groups including Pickleball, Waka Ama and the local Lions.

And, an integral to Run for Good is the chance to encourage all Coromandel Peninsula school children to enter and participate for free.