First Light Marathon
20 Jan 2024
20 Jan 2024
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 2024- 5 days Māori Cultural Experience
18 - 22 Jan | 5 days | 1490 NZD
1 night at a hotel in Tairāwhiti Gisborne and 3 nights at a Marae
First Light Marathon 2024: 5-day package
18 - 22 Jan | 5 days | 1590 NZD
4 nights in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
First Light Marathon 2024: Residents of Aotearoa New Zealand
20 - 20 Jan | 1 days | 100 NZD
First Light Marathon 2024: Local Entry 
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
21 Jan | 5 hours | 75 NZD
Hike Cooks Cove Walkway and learn the history of local iwi Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti
Maunga Hikurangi
21 Jan | 8 hours | 420 NZD
Embark on a tour to the sacred mountain that is the first to greet the sun each day
Gisborne Astro Tours
20 Jan | 2 hours | 120 NZD
Marvel at the celestial wonders of the Southern Hemisphere.
Stingray Encounter
19 Jan | 2.5 hours | 150 NZD
Take a reef ecology tour and meet Stingrays, Eagle Rays, and other reef dwellers.
Extensions
Lakes and Legends
22 - 27 Jan | 6 days | 2990 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.
Kia Ora - New Zealand!
Premiering in 2023 with great success, we invite you to join us for the First Light Marathon, Jan 20th 2024!
The city of Tairāwhiti Gisborne is known for being the first city in the world to see the sunrise each morning.
As you exit the city, you will be rewarded with the breath-taking sunrise as you reach the hilltops.
Though the surface and hills are strenuous, the view will be worth it all as you race along its spectacular coastline and steep green hills, before embarking down to its white beaches glittering in the sunlight.
Join the adventure in 2024 - spectators welcome!
The route offers both a Marathon and Half-Marathon.
Register for the Race
As a resident of New Zealand, you are eligible to a race only entry, without having to partake in any of our Entry Packages.
Marathon: 175NZD
Half Marathon: 100NZD
Race entry includes:
- Exclusive First Light Marathon T-shirt
- Medal
- Experienced Medical Personnel from Peak Safety
- Timing and Results
Travel Packages
The First Light Marathon is much more than just a race. It's about exploring New Zealand with family, friends, and other running-minded spirits. By partaking in our 5-day travel package you join a group expedition that takes you on a journey with a full itinerary, meals, accommodation and last but not least, a chance to meet travellers from all over the world!
Spectacular and challenging race
The route of The First Light Marathon will surely challenge you, but its stunning views will all make it worth your while. You will run on a variety of surfaces: Pavement, dirt-roads, grass, single track trails and a sandy beach.
You can find a more detailed route and elevation description via the link below.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to write us. Our office team, located in Copenhagen, will happily assist you!
Tøndergade 16
DK-1752 Copenhagen V
Denmark
(+45) 36 98 98 38
Office hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
info@adventure-marathon.com