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 – 33km Trail Run from Awaroa to Marahau along the renowned Abel Tasman National Park.

Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Camping Ground is the event base for the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, where Registration and the Prizegiving Dinner Function will be held.

Boat transport for all runners will be from Kaiteriteri, making for a relaxed start to the day. There are a number of accommodation options within the Katieriteri Recreation Reserve of Apartments, Cabins and Tent sites plus many more in the local area. Check out the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve HERE.

Upon disembarking at Awaroa, there will be a mass start and you will begin your epic run in the World Famous Abel Tasman track to the Marahau finish.

Entries are limited to 350 and entries received after the 350 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.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not allow entries to be transferred to other competitors or for future events. Please refer to our withdrawal policy for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: The finish line (Marahau) and the registration area (Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve) is approximately 20mins drive apart from each other.

You can book an event bus (booking essential – $20pp) to pick you up from the Marahau DOC Carpark (event Finish Area) at 6:30am on event morning.

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: 13km

The Abel Tasman Coastal Classic first began in 1994 and quickly became one of New Zealand’s most popular Trail Runs. The reputation of the event, the location and its organisation continues to spread via word of mouth and the event continually sells out each year.

Back in 1994 the event started from Marahau and finished at Totaranui, – meaning a 40km approx distance. Soon after, the event was shortened slightly with a start at Awaroa instead. 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.

1994 – 1999: Marahau to Totaranui
2000: Marahau to Torrent Bay & Return (Weather contingency course)
2001 – 2003: Marahau to Awaroa
2004 – 2012: Awaroa to Marahau
2013: Totaranui to Marahau (20th anniversary event)
2014 – 2016: Awaroa to Marahau
2017 – 2020: *Awaroa to Marahau (altered start on Airstrip, and first section of track removed. New shorter course.)
2021 – No event due to covid Restrictions
2022 – Totaranui Loop – alternative course due to weather damage on track
2023 – Awaroa to Marahau

Entry fee for 2024 – $275

Includes your souvenir Nelson Events reuseable shoe bag, boat transport to Awaroa on race day, lunch and prizegiving dinner function at Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve post event.

Entries are limited to 350.

This is a running event only. Walkers will not meet the respective cut off times.  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. This is not a walking event. 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. If you are unsure of your fitness level, please email us at [email protected] and we can discuss. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your day running in the park.

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.

Please see Nelson Event Policies for further details.

In the event of extreme weather/health/environmental conditions, the Organising Committee reserves the right to substitute an alternative course, postpone or if necessary, cancel the event.

Withdrawals must be received via email to [email protected]

Withdrawals received before 1^st July 2024 will have their entry fee and any merchandise refunded in full minus $30 admin fee.

Withdrawals received between 1st July and August 1st 2024 will have their entry fee and any merchandise ordered refunded in full minus $75.

Withdrawals received before 1st September 2024 will be refunded $150 and any purchased merchandise.

Withdrawals received from the 1st of September 2024, no refund applicable.

Please note that we do not allow entries to be transferred to other competitors, future or other events.

Note, in 2017 the course from Awaroa changed due to a section of track being unpassable. From 2017 the course has thus been shortened, and the new times are not reflected in the record table below.