First Light Marathon
25 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025
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
Race Videos & Photos
Check out some spectacular moments from the race.
In order to register for First Light Marathon, you must sign up for one of the packages.
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!
Ways to Enter
Get details on international and local entrance options.
Accommodation
Check out the hotel options for your stay.
Packages
First Light Marathon 2025: 5-day package
23 - 27 Jan | 5 days | 1790 NZD
4 nights in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
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 and hike to Cooks Cove
26 Jan | 5 hours | 100 NZD
Hike Cooks Cove Walkway and learn the history of local iwi Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti
Gisborne Astro Tours
25 Jan | 2 hours | 130 NZD
Marvel at the celestial wonders of the Southern Hemisphere.
Stingray Encounter
24 Jan | 2.5 hours | 150 NZD
Take a reef ecology tour and meet Stingrays, Eagle Rays, and other reef dwellers.
Extensions
Lakes and Legends
27 - 1 Feb | 6 days | 3990 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.
Curious about other people's experiences or still have questions regarding the race, booking, or traveling?
Reviews
Read the thoughts of runners who have experienced the magic!
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.
Partners & Sponsors
We'd like to say thank you to all the official sponsors, partners and suppliers of First Light Marathon.
Interested in sponsor and partnership opportunities?
Our team can help develop a customized program designed to meet your objectives. Opportunities are available for the First Light Marathon, as well as in connection with our multi-event Albatros Adventure Marathons™️ series.
Organizers
Albatros Adventure Marathons
From the barren desert landscape of Jordan to the African savannah, from the epic Great Wall of China to the temples of Bagan, we offer races with remarkable courses that will challenge even the most experienced runner.Sponsors
Sunshine Brewery
Inspired by Gisborne’s notoriously long summers and legendary surf breaks, Sunshine is a boutique brewery from the East Coast that celebrates the important things in life: sun, surf, mates and good beer. Since 1989, they been brewing top quality beers for top quality people.
Craft
Craft Sportswear is the Official Merchandise Supplier for all events in the Albatros Adventure Marathons series.Partners
Trust Tairāwhiti
Trust Tairāwhiti is the regional development trust, investing in the wellbeing of the people, success of our businesses and the future of the region.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Tairāwhiti Gisborne is an arm of Trust Tairāwhiti that leads destination development, management and marketing for the region and functions in the tourism sector as the official Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO).Event Supporters
Medaltime
Medaltime combines over 25 years of experience, with a creative studio that will proudly design a unique custom made medal for you to award with pride.