28 Jan 2023
First Light Marathon
28 January 2023
28 Jan 2023
First Light Marathon
28 January 2023
The definitive source for all things race-related: everything you need to know before, during, and after race day.
Race Information
Find all the important practical information about the race.
Route & Elevation
Familiarize yourself with the race's elevation profile and route.
Results
Check here for current and past years race results.
Event logo
The story behind the unique design
Like all Albatros Adventure Marathons, the First Light Marathon is designed to be more than just a race. It's also about enjoying time together with family, friends and other running-minded spirits and immersing yourself in a new culture. Spectators welcome!
In order to register for First Light Marathon, you must sign up for one of the tour packages.
Ways to Enter
Get details on international and local entrance options.
Accommodation
Check out the hotel options for your stay.
Packages
First Light Marathon 2023: 5-day package
26 - 30 Jan | 5 days | 1390 NZD
4 nights in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
First Light Marathon 2023
28 - 28 Jan | 1 days | 100 NZD
Residents of Aotearoa New Zealand
Travel partners
The most comprehensive list of travel partners who offer First Light Marathon packages with flights.
Aotearoa New Zealand is a land of many wonders. From dazzling night skies to killer surf to the rich, indigenous Māori culture, come experience all that the country has to offer.
The First Light Marathon is more than just a marathon - it's a journey through Aotearoa New Zealand! The adventurous can get up-close-and-personal with stingrays, catch some waves on a surf lesson, or visit the sacred mountain, Maunga Hikuranga. For those who prefer a more relaxed vacation, renowned beaches and world-class wineries beckon.
Excursions
Tolaga Bay
29 Jan | 5 hours | 70 NZD
Hike Cooks Cove Walkway and learn the history of local iwi Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti
Maunga Hikurangi
29 Jan | 8 hours | 350 NZD
Embark on a tour to the sacred mountain that is the first to greet the sun each day
Gisborne Astro Tours
26 Jan | 2 hours | 90 NZD
Marvel at the celestial wonders of the Southern Hemisphere.
Stingray Encounter
27 Jan | 2.5 hours | 115 NZD
Take a reef ecology tour and meet Stingrays, Eagle Rays, and other reef dwellers.
Extensions
Lakes and Legends
30 - 4 Feb | 6 days | 2790 NZD
Trek the Tongariro Pass, relax in a Polynesian spa, and marvel at cavernous glowworms on this exciting tour.
From history and culture to cuisine and customs, get to know to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Travel to New Zealand
Dive deep into New Zealand - read about its history, culture, geography, and, of course, the ice.
Map of New Zealand
Take a look at a map highlighting our destinations in New Zealand.
Destination Guide
Find short and sweet answers to help you travel in Aotearoa New Zealand - everything from currency to language and more.
Climate & Weather in New Zealand
Check out what weather to expect on race day, as well as average weather in Gisborne and Wellington.
Photos of New Zealand
Browse a collection of spectacular photos from our New Zealand destinations.
The one-stop shop for all your media-related needs.
Blog
Read our stories and get inspired.
Media Resources
Check here for press guides, media galleries, and contact information.
Partners & Sponsors
Read here about our wonderful sponsors, partners, and suppliers - and how you can be one of them.
Kia Ora - Welcome to New Zealand!
Premiering in 2023, be the first in the world to greet the new day as you race along the coast.
The First Light Marathon takes place in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand, which is known for being the first city in the world to see the sun each day. Its spectacular coastline and the steep green hills provide a magical backdrop to this unique race. Runners will herald in the sunrise as they crest the many hills and race along the white sand beach.
Read the story behind our unique race logo here
Our Covid-19 Peace of Mind Policy
We understand that many of you may still wonder how Covid-19 will effect travelling in the year to come, which is why we have outlined our policy for possible Covid-19 travel restrictions to give you peace of mind while still being able to secure your spot at the First Light Marathon.
- If the race is cancelled by Albatros Adventure Marathons, you will receive a full refund of the payments made to Albatros Adventure Marathons.
- If the race is postponed to a later date, you will have the choice between moving your entry to the new date or receive a full refund of payments made to Albatros Adventure Marathons. Note that the decision to cancel or postpone the race will be taken no later than 4 weeks prior to the event, but in most cases the decision will be taken at least 8 weeks in advance.
- If official travel restrictions prohibiting you from travelling to New Zealand are in place 30 days before the event, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of the payments made to Albatros Adventure Marathons. This includes restrictions disabling you to depart from your home country as well as restrictions banning you from entering New Zealand due to Covid-19 regulations.
Race distances
Want to share this experience of a lifetime with your friend or partner?
No problem!
Runners of all levels can run the first light with these options.
Full Marathon
42.2 km
Half Marathon
21.1 km
Both distances take place at the same time, and share the first part of the course.
Just select your preferred distance when booking.
Travel Prep
Get helpful travel facts on topics like currency, language, etiquette, and more.
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