The Sea, The Sky, The Sand, The Run. The Abel Tasman Coastal Classic.

TRAIL

Abel Tasman Coastal Classic

Sat, 22/09/2012 September 22nd 2012

The Event
Event Information
Entry
Training
Travel & Accommodation
Results
Photos

If there's one event to put on the list for the run of a lifetime, it's the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic.

Come stride into paradise.

36km Trail Run from Awaroa to Marahau along the renowned Abel Tasman National Park.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Classic first began in 1994 and quickly became one of New Zealand's most popular Trail Runs. Initially the event was limited to 200 competitors, however, after the Department of Conservation (DOC) carried out impact reports this number was gradually increased to 300.

The reputation of the event, the location and its organisation continues to spread via word of mouth and very little promotion is needed for the event to continually sell out each year.

Back in 1994 the event started from Marahau and finished at Totaranui, - meaning a 40km+ distance. This soon proved too hard for the common trailrunner and the course was altered to Awaroa. Top athletes are among the competitor tally over the years including Scott Molina, Erin Baker, Greg Fraine, Jonathan Wyatt, Tracy Clissold, Michelle Allison, Phil Costley and Rod Dixon (to name drop just a few). Nowadays we also have a strong international feel amidst competitors with runners from places such as Japan, America and Australia coming over to join in the fun.

Those runners lucky enough to have been a part of the first ever Abel Tasman Coastal Classic will most probably vividly recall the lunch they were given that day, as on the boat leg home amidst choppy seas, a fair few scotch eggs came back up to feed the local wildlife below (no wonder the marine reserve seems to be doing so well ....). The last group of competitors and race organisers were left waiting among rocks before having to ditch their boat trip and travel back to Riwaka (where the function was held) over the Takaka Hill via Bus. Elvis was even waiting to entertain guests that evening - but alas, he wasn't the most popular, especially after our Striders flag seemed to mysteriously disappear and has never been seen since.

This year is set to be yet again another fantastic day.

Entries received after the 300 limit is reached will be placed on a first come waiting list and processed when a spot becomes available and is confirmed by the competitor.
If the competitor does not wish to take up the waiting list spot then this will be offered to the competitor next on the list and their cheque will be destroyed.

Please note that we do not allow entries to be transferred to other competitors or for future events.
Please refer to our withdrawal policy for more information.

Approximate Distances

Awaroa to Onetahuti (Tonga) Beach	6.4km
Onetahuti Beach to Bark Bay	6.1km
Bark Bay to Torrent Bay	7.7km
Torrent Bay to Marahau	14km

Race Records

	Men				Women
U40	Phil Costley	2.22.09	2002	U40	Eveline Coombe	2.52.49	2001
40-49	Colin Rolfe	2.43.22	2002	40-49	Carline Thomas	2.52.05	2005
50-59	Gary Dick	2.56.28	2001	50-59	Sharon Prutton	3.33.04	2002
60+	Norman Carrington	3.17.55	2001	60+	Delphine Gore	3.36.14	2002

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

Entry
To be notified when entries open for the 2012 event, sign up for NEWS on the home page of this website.

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 2012 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.

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.

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
6.45am to 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 9.30am - 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 choose to 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
Abel Tasman Coastal Classic 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 show your race number to uplift this. Please advise us if you require a 'special' meal

Post Event Massage
MiMassage will be at the Marahau Outdoor Education Centre post-run for post race massage. So bring some spare $$$.

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+.
There is also a fantastic spot prize pool, 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 Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, Nelson Events along with Woollaston Estates Vineyard and McCashins 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 6.00pm (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 $110 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) $40

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

The 2012 event will open for entry on the 1st of March 2012.

Training Plans based on a 30k Off Road Distance

This is a trail run, therefore it is important that you incorporate off road running into your training.

Beginner's Ten Week Training Plan - Martin Lukes

Intermediate Level Ten Week Training Plan

Advanced Level Ten Week Training Plan - Martin Lukes

The race day starts with boarding a Sea Shuttle at Marahau, the start of the Abel Tasman National Park, after registering at the Marahua Outdoor Education Centre.
Please note that your boat ride is covered as part of your entry fee (you do not need to book this).

Marahau is located 67km north west of Nelson on sealed roads, approximately an hour and a half drive from Nelson city. There are numerous accommodation options available to competitors, including accommodation at Marahau itself, Kaiteriteri Beach (approx 10km from Marahau), or Motueka (20 minutes drive away).

Recommended Accommodation Provider:

Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp
www.kaiteriteribeach.co.nz
Phone: 03 5278010
Email: kaiteritericamp@xtra.co.nz

Friday night Coastal Classic Carbo-Load, from 6pm
Shoreline Cafe 03 527 8507
$25
Reserve your spot by phoning the Cafe

AWAROA STARTLINE
Some competitors like to stay at Awaroa the night before or the night after the race - if you do want to do this you will need to arrange your travel directly with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles and then talk to us about how to register for the race on the Saturday morning.
Please note that we may not be able to carry large amounts of luggage back for you so you do need to contact us to discuss.
Awaroa Lodge - www.awaroalodge.co.nz
Email: stay@awaroalodge.co.nz

For all your travel and accommodation needs contact Andrea at WildSide

andrea@wildsidetravel.co.nz
www.wildsidetravel.co.nz
Wildside
PO Box 135
Motueka 7120
Ph: 0800 874 748

Other Accommodation Providers:

Equestrian Lodge Motels
0800 668 782
Alan & Lisa 03 528 9369
www.equestrianlodge.co.nz

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