Meridian Hydro Half Marathon
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About the race
The Meridian Hydro Half Marathon is an annual community event established in 2019 by the Fiordland Trails Trust to raise funds for expanding and maintaining the Lake2Lake trail network. The event offers multiple distances:
- 21.1 km half marathon along the Lake2Lake Trail
- 10 km option on Lake2Lake Trail sections
- 2 km kids fun run for ages 12 and under
The route combines riverside and lakeside running, native beech forest trails, short road and 4WD track sections, and some undulating terrain with a maximum elevation around 240 m. Runners and walkers pass features such as the Upper Waiau River, Rainbow Reach, Queens Reach, Tui Bay and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary before finishing on the Te Anau lakefront at Steamers Beach.
On course support includes five water stations and six toilet stops on the half marathon, with carbohydrate and electrolyte drink mix, fruit and lollies provided; Tailwind is used as event nutrition. The event is cup free so participants are asked to bring their own water container. A drop trailer transports personal items from the start to the finish; competitors collect their own bags.
Entry rules require participants in the half marathon to be at least 16 years old and to attend the pre-race briefing. Every finisher receives a medal; cash prizes and spot prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Transport options, parking details and other athlete information are provided by the organisers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
