Saturday 18th September 2010
36km from Awaroa to Marahau on The Abel Tasman Coast Track
Race Information

Pre-Event Email #1 sent 20th August 2010
Pre-Event Email #2 sent 31st August 2010
Pre-Event Email #3 sent 7th September 2010

This is a running event only. Walkers will not meet the respective cut off times. The Supporters Walk package accommodates walkers.

Entry
The 2010 event has now reached capacity and a Waiting list is in operation. Please click here for more information on how to get on the waiting list.

Entry fee of $195 includes boat transport to Awaroa on race day, lunch and prizegiving dinner at Marahau post event.

Withdrawals/Refunds
Withdrawals received prior to August 6th 2010 will receive a refund of $100.00. After this no refund of entry fees.
Please note that we do not allow entries to be transferred to other competitors, or future or other events.

Friday Coastal Classic Carbo-Load Dinner

The Beached Whale Restaurant & Bar (Kaiteriteri Beach) are offering a Coastal Classic Carbo-load with ALL you can eat Pasta, Salad & Pizza on Friday the 17th of September for $25 per person. Reservations are required - call (03) 5278281 or email stay@kaiterilodge.co.nz

Post Event Massage
Annette of MiMassage (from Migym, Nelson) will be at the Marahau Outdoor Education Centre post-run for post race massage. $10 for 10 minutes.


To help make your event more enjoyable please note the following:

Minimum Age
The minimum age of competitors is 18 years

Suitability
As a guide competitors should be adequately trained to complete a marathon event. Putting it politely - it's a run in the park that is equal to a marathon and you need to prepare accordingly.
All competitors should be capable of completing a half marathon (road) or equivalent in less than 2hrs 10mins to avoid missing cut-off times at Onetahuiti (Tonga) then at Torrent Bay.

Training
This is a trail run, therefore it is important that you encompass training on uneven terrain to prepare appropriately. We also encourage you to visit your local running shoe store to ensure your footwear is appropriate to the terrain.

Safety
All competitors must carry the following minimum equipment on them at all times to cover all possible weather conditions:
* Polypropylene, or equivalent (eg woollen), top, hat and gloves
* Windproof parka/jacket
* Survival blanket
* Whistle
* Water carrier (camelbak or bottle for filling before leaving the Torrent Bay Aid station)

You will have a gear check prior to the start and there are also gear checks on route.
No Gear - No Start (simple as that).

This is for your safety. The organisers reserve the right to carry out random gear checks along the course and at the Marahau finish line - failure to have all compulsory gear will mean disqualification (including performance and spot prizes) and immediate withdrawal possibly incurring additional transport costs.

Please note that for safety reasons use of ipod, mp3 player, Walkman or similar is not permitted. Enjoy the surroundings of the Abel Tasman National Park - the sounds are worth listening to as you enjoy your event.

Briefing
There is no pre-event briefing. Please be familiar with the information supplied on this page and in the newsletter sent prior to the event (sent via email in the week prior to the event)

Registration
7.30am at the Marahau Outdoor Education Centre Marquee.
You will need to provide your race registration certificate (emailed in the week prior to the event) and photo ID to uplift your race pack.

Once you have registered you will make your way to the boat loading area (following instructions from our crew). Please note that you may get wet feet when boarding and exiting the vessels.

Race Start
The exact start time cannot be given as it depends on weather and water conditions as to how long the boat journey takes. However, it will be roughly around 10.00am. Once we have arrived at Awaroa you will have a gear check on the beachfront before making your way to the Awaroa airstrip for race start. You will have time to use the toilets if needed.

Didymo - Stop the Spread
Didymo is an algae made up of cells that cannot be seen with the naked eye until large colonies form. It only takes one of these cells to survive and be transported to a nearby waterway for Didymo to spread. Didymo cells thrive in freshwater and if you are cleaning with freshwater you are helping to keep them alive. Didymo is an unwatned organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993. To help keep the Abel Tasman National Park beautiful and pristine, please help to ensure you do not unwittingly help in the spread of didymo to this area.
Please clean your shoes prior to arriving in the Abel Tasman National Park with hot, soapy water. For more information please visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo

Aid Stations
Aid Stations are operated by Motueka Round Table members and Motueka Search and Rescue will be positioned at Onetahuti (Tonga), Bark and Torrent Bays.
There are three aid stations in total - one at Tonga (Onetahuti), one at Bark Bay and the third at Torrent Bay. Water (cup only) will be available at Tonga and Bark Bay aid stations. You can refill your water bottles/camelbaks at Torrent Bay aid station. Special drinks will not be catered for.
Bananas and jelly beans will be supplied at Bark Bay and Torrent Bay.

Please ensure you leave any water cups at the aid station - this is a National Park and therefore if you take a water cup with you, then you need to carry it with you to the finish. No rubbish is to be left along the track - a pack in, pack out policy applies.

Food/Supplements/Water
All food/supplement wrappers etc must be numbered to comply with the track's pack-in pack-out rubbish policy. Please number these prior to boarding the boat at Marahau.

Injured Competitors
Please notify the next checkpoint of any injured competitors and note approximate point on track. Please stay with the injured person if necessary and get the next competitor to notify officials.

Withdrawals during the event
Participants who withdraw during the event may be liable for additional transport costs to uplift them from the track.

Medical Conditions
Existing medical conditions should be advised in writing for Emergency Response Units and forwarded to PO Box 129, Nelson or email admin@nelsonevents.co.nz at least one week prior to the event. These should also be noted on the back of your race number.

Emergency medication is to be carried by the competitor at all times.

Km Markers
Don't look for km markers - this is off-road. At all times stay on the High Tide Track.

Course Profile


Passing
Faster runner to call 'coming through' and slower runner to step to inside (landward side) of track.

Falls River Bridge
The Falls River Bridge has a loading restriction of 5 persons - please observe this for your own safety. Any groups approaching this bridge together must regroup after crossing to ensure it is not used to create an unfair advantage for any competitor/s.

Track Users
There are likely to be other users on the track - please respect them.

Clothing
Competitors warmup clothing will be transported back from Awaroa. Please keep this to a minimum. You will be given a bag label in your race pack - please secure this around your bag to aid identification at Marahau.

The Finish
The finish is situated at the end of the track (approximately 1km from the Marahau Outdoor Education Centre). There will be water and fresh pineapple available for finishers. Please note that toilets are located in the carpark. Cell phone coverage is limited in the Marahau area.

Showers
There are showers at Marahau Motorcamp (next to the Marahau Outdoor Education Centre complex) or Kaiteriteri Beach Motorcamp - user pays.

Lunch
Your packed lunch will be waiting for you at Marahau Outdoor Education Centre. Note you will need to exchange your race number to uplift this. Please advise us if you require a 'special' meal.

Prizes
Performance and spot prizes will be awarded in all age groups. (First only less than 7 entries, 2nd less than 10, 3rd if 10 or more). Under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
Numerous spot prizes will be awarded, however, to be eligible winners must be at the prizegiving function.

Prizegiving
The event prizegiving dinner will commence at 4.30pm in the marquee at the Marahau Outdoor Education centre, followed by Prizegiving. You will be issued with a 'dinner' ticket which you will be required to present. No ticket = no dinner. Please ensure you indicate on the entry form if you have special dietary requirements. eg Vegetarian, Gluten Free etc.
To toast your success in completing the 17th Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, Nelson Events along with Woollaston Estates Vineyard and Bays Brewery will give you a celebratory drink as you dine during the prizegiving buffet. Beverages will be available to purchase also.
We anticipate prizegiving starting at 6.30pm (earlier if possible).

Supporters Walk Package
Must be booked by August 6th
Take a scenic cruise from Marahau to Torrent Bay, then walk back to the finish - approx 3 hours - 12.8km (giving the competitors plenty of space to pass you as they come through).
The cost of $100 includes your boat trip, lunch and then the prizegiving dinner. Please note that you will need to carry your own drink with you on the track and to take suitable clothing with you to prepare for changing weather conditions. Please also note that you may get wet feet when boarding and disembarking the boat.
Lunch is available at Marahau when you finish your walk.
Registration - 9.30am in the marquee at Marahau

Please note that all competitors compete at their own risk and the Organising Committee will accept no liability for any mishap or injury or loss/damage to personal property during the event.

In the event of unfavourable weather and track condition, the Organising Committee reserves the right to substitute an alternative run.

For further information on the Abel Tasman Coast Track - visit the DOC website

Merchandise - must be pre-booked
Event T-Shirt (S, M, L, XL, XXL or 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) $35
Commemorative Mug $15
Survival Compact First Aid Kit - $15 - 150x90x25mm, 80gm, in a ziplock bag, contains alcohol wipes, antiseptic wips, content list, non-adherent dressing (sm), plasters (washable), plaster fabric strip 100mm, safety pins, survival blanket with instructions, tri-angular bandage