The race

The First Light Marathon generally takes place on the third weekend of January each year.

2026: January 24th 

Registration closes 20. November 2025 for international runners.

Full Marathon: 42.195 km

Half Marathon: 21.097 km

Fun Run: 6 km 

Note: Marathon runners must be 18 years old and Half Marathon runners must be 16 years old. The 6K run does not have an age limit. 

Distance changes can be made up until the race briefing, subject to availability. No changes are allowed after the race briefing or on Race Day.

Route Map

Elevation Map

Description

The race starts and ends by the boardwalk next to the Midway Surf Club. Runners will conquer a variety of surfaces such as grassy hills, dirt roads, single track trails, white sands, and pavement. Some well-deserved refreshments will be waiting for the runners at the finish line. 

Logistics

The route is well marked with small flags, arrows and kilometer signs. Water stations are positioned along the route at apx every 4 kilometers. Some stations also serve energy drinks, bananas and gels. 
 

Personal belongings

Personal supplies an be deposited at the start / finish area in a staffed bag drop area. 

Note: This is first and foremost an adventure race. We are far from the comforts of home and this makes it impossible to offer services usually provided in city marathons. 

All distances have a cut of time of 8 hours. 

However, for the marathon there is a 4 hour cut-off time half way (at 21 km/13mi.). Any runner that has not yet reached that distance will be collected by car. 

It is possible to desposit bags with personal items at the start/finish area for use before and after the race. Mark your bag clearly with your name and bib number. The luggage area will be manned during the race.

First Light Marathon organizers are not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings. 

Runners on the 5-day package receive their goodie bags upon arrival in Gisborne. The goodie bag will contain your bib number, timing chip, official race t-shirt, information on the race route, and schedule for your trip. 

The bib number must be worn during the race. It must be attached to the front of your body and readable. The bib numbers are color-coded according to the distance you are running. 

Runners from New Zealand, with entry to the race only, can pick up their goodie bag at Midway Surf Club (location subject to change), 23rd of January between 6 pm and 8 pm or at the starting area at Midway Surf Club on Race day from 05:00

The First Light Marathon will be timed with a timing chip. 

Live results can be accessed on the Results page.

Prizes

• Top Finishers: The top three male and female finishers of all distances are the first three to physically cross the finish line after completing the entire course, regardless of their net time.
• All finishers receive a medal.
• A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners of both distances for men and women. Please note that there is no prize money. 

Watch race recaps from previous and past years here:

Race recaps

Aotearoa New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where January is the peak of summer. Daytime temperatures will be warm and humid, meaning runners should wear light, moisture-wicking clothing. It will be chilly before the sun rises, so warm overclothes are recommended at the start. Sunscreen is crucial! 

Medical Team Availability
Danish English-speaking doctors will be on-site during the race. They have the authority to stop runners if they deem it necessary for health reasons. All decisions by the medical team are final.

If you need to drop out, head to the nearest water station for a cooling drink, and we will transport you back to the finish area, but expect some wait time due to the conditions of the race route. 

Prepare for high heat by hydrating well before the race and cooling down at water stations. Sunscreen is crucial, and sunglasses and a cap are highly recommended! 
 

The race officials reserve the right to change the course and other aspects of the race without advance notice.

Please note that all decisions made by the race officials and/or medical team are final.

By signing up for this event, you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Albatros Adventure Marathons™️.