The Hanmer Springs Four Square Half Marathon and 10 km Run is held annually, in the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs, 130km NW of Christchurch.

The race, which is organised by Hanmer Springs Multi Sport Club as a community fundraiser, takes competitors on a unique journey through Hanmer Forest amongst some amazing mountain scenery.

Race Date: Saturday 1st May 2010

Enquiries: email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone Graham Frith - 03 315 5009 between 8am and 9.30pm.

Entries: must be on the official entry form, with your entry fee, (cheques, cash or online) and received prior to the closing date of Monday 26th April 2010. Please allow 2 days for post to reach Hanmer Springs.

Entry forms can be downloaded from this web site, you can enter online on this website, or collect an entry form from selected sporting outlets.

Entry fee for the ½ marathon is $30, for the 10km is $25 seniors and $10 for juniors. A late entry fee of $10 will be added for all entries on the day. Please enter by 26th April and save yourself $10.

Refunds will be given up to the closing date of 26th April, minus $5 admin fee. No refunds will be given after this date.

Walkers are welcome to compete on both courses, and for the first time there will be a separate category for these competitors.

Registration will be at the Domain in the Hanmer Springs Sports Pavilion, Jacks Pass Rd from 7.00-9.30pm on Friday 30^th and from 8.00-9.50am on Sat 1st May 2010. You will receive your race number and final details then. Please register early and do not attempt to do so while the race brief is taking place! The Domain will be signposted from the main road. Please park as directed.

Race brief will take place on the netball courts at the Domain at 10.00 am. All competitors must be present at this.

Start time for the Half Marathon will be at 10.30, and the 10km will be at 10.45am at the Domain.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in all senior categories once all competitors have finished, at approx 2pm. This will take place at the Finish area at the Hanmer Springs School, along with the distribution of junior and spot prizes.

Accommodation: See hanmerholidayhomes for details or check out other accommodation options here

Extreme weather conditions i.e. fire danger or strong winds can cause the forest to be closed at short notice. Should this happen the organisers reserve the right to hold entry fees and offer an alternative date.

Conditions of Entry

1. All competitors compete at their own risk, and the organisers will not accept liability for any personal injury or mishap during the race.
2. All competitors must be of sufficient fitness to complete the course that they enter.
3. Organisers reserve the right to withdraw from the race any competitor who shows signs of severe fatigue or injury during the race.
4. All competitors must dress sufficiently for the conditions and weather likely to be experienced during the race. Remember Hanmer Springs is an alpine village and weather changes very rapidly.
5. The event will be held in all weather conditions unless these are so extreme that the forest is closed. In this instance the organisers will offer an alternative date, and reserve the right to retain all entry fees.
6. Competitors must obey all course marshals, and follow the route as described and marked by the organisers, visiting the 3 check points (1 for the 10km) in the correct order.
7. Competitors must obey any conditions imposed by Matariki Forests. These will be displayed at registration and announced at the race brief.
8. Competitors must wear their race number on their chest, to be visible at all times, and ensure it is recorded at the finish.
9. All competitors must attend the race brief.
10. All competitors must sign the indemnity on the entry form, which states that you have read, understood, and agree to these conditions of entry.

The final route is dependant on forestry work at the time of the race.The route may alter from that which is described. We try to get the distances as close to 10km and 21km as possible, but they are not to be relied on for exact measurements. Training on the race route is prohibited in those areas which are not public access. This is between Main Rd and Swamp Rd on the Half Marathon route.

10 km race following green course markings. (Pink line on map).

Race starts from the pavilion on Jacks Pass Rd, goes uphill for 2km on Clarence Valley Rd, turns right onto Pawsons Rd, and follows this to Camp Track. (check point 1, water, approx 5km) Left along Camp Track, right onto McIntyre Rd to Jollies Pass Rd. Turn right and left onto Fowler Lane, then right onto Alder Lane. Left down Phillips Lane, right along Mansfield Rd, right up Herdmans Ave to bring you back to Jollies Pass Rd. Turn left and run along the side of Jollies Pass Rd to the finish on the school field.

Half marathon race following red course markings. (Blue line on map).

The course initially follows same route as 10km race till. At Jollies Pass Rd turn left, and then right to enter the Matariki Forest on Main Rd. (check point 2, water, approx 7km). Follow this to turn left onto Forty Acre Rd, right onto Rippingale Rd, left onto Montgomery Rd, right on Hunter Rd, to turn right down Scop Rd. (check point 3, water, approx 11km). Turn right along Jubilee Rd, left on Rippingale Rd, right on Morrison Rd, left on Main Rd, and right into Swamp Rd. This will bring you to the forest edge at Fowlers Lane (check point 4, water, approx 16 km). Here you turn right and follow the lane through 2 fords (yes wet feet!) to rejoin the 10 km route, where you will turn left onto Alder Lane.

Water will be provided at the 4 check points. (1 on the 10km route)

If you think you will be out for a long time please carry your own fluids and do not rely totally on the water stations. Water will be in cups and is not for replenishing your bottles etc.

Course Map (Click to enlarge...)