Buller Gorge Marathon

The Buller Gorge Marathon starts at Hawks Crag on the Buller Gorge Highway and heads up the gorge beside the Buller River to a turnaround point near Berlin's, about 7 km from the start. Runners then return down the highway, following the river towards the coast. The route continues through the countryside to Westport and finishes at Victoria Square in the town centre. The course is entirely on sealed road. It is undulating, with hills at Tiroroa, Ohikaiti and Omanu, but the overall trend is gently downhill towards the coast. Marathon runners are bused to the start from Victoria Square and drink stations are provided every few kilometres. The race is described by its organisers as New Zealand's most scenic marathon course and also offers a half marathon, a 10k fun run and a four-person relay.