Meridian Hydro Half Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The Meridian Hydro Half Marathon is an annual trail event organised by the Fiordland Trails Trust to raise funds for expanding and maintaining the Lake2Lake trail. First held in 2019, the event runs on mixed surfaces including riverside and lakeside paths, native beech forest trails, short sections of road and 4WD tracks, with some undulating terrain and a maximum elevation of 240 m.
The course passes notable local features: Mt Titiroa, the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, the crystal clear Waiau River, Rainbow Reach, Horseshoe Bend and Queens Reach, then follows the Lake Te Anau control gates and the lakefront past Tui Bay and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary before finishing at Steamers Beach on the lakefront.
Support on course includes five water stations and six toilet stops, event nutrition (Tailwind) at selected aid stations, and fruit and lollies. All athletes who cross the finish line receive a medal. The event also offers a shorter 10 km option and a new 2 km kids fun run for children 12 and under. Minimum age for the half marathon is 16 years and participants must attend the pre-race briefing.
The trail remains open to the public during the event; runners and walkers must follow marshals’ directions and the event’s race rules. The event is organised with community involvement and contributes directly to local trail development and maintenance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
