Trek Trail & Fish 42.2km Full Marathon Event Information
The Trek Trail & Fish ultra marathon in the beautiful Bay of Islands has been created to allow Northlanders to test their endurance limits in their own backyard.
Starting in Paihia you'll run through to Waitangi, crossing the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and into the Waitangi Forest and Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, enjoy a dash through the Waitangi Mountain Bike Trails and the many undulating forestry roads the Waitangi forest has to offer. Once your mammoth lap of the forest is completed follow your way back to the finish area via the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and finish up outside the Village Green in the heart of Paihia.
Distance: 42.2km kilometers
Elevation: 1163m
Terrain: Single Trail, Forestry Road, Footpath. Trail shoes are recommended.
There are no cups through the Waitangi Forest
To help protect the environment and reduce our footprint, we’ve eliminated disposable cups from the course. As part of your race prep, you should carry a trail pack with all essentials, including your own hydration system or a reusable cup.
Long Range Forecast (Updated week of the event)
COMPULSORY GEAR (Updated 7/05/2026)
This is required for all participants.
The Bay of Islands is beautiful in May, however due to the unpredictable nature of the weather in Autumn, and with considerations to the course and start time, we have deemed it necessary for participants to carry the following gear:
- Seam-sealed jacket (compulsory)
- Thermal/polyprop top (optional)
- Survival blanket (compulsory)
HEADLAMP/TORCH
With the race scheduled to begin at 7:00am and sunrise in the Bay of Islands in mid May at approximately 7:12am, it will not be necessary for participants to use a headlamp or torch for this years event. You are still welcome to bring one with you if you wish.
COMPULSORY GEAR CHECK
During event week, we'll assess whether its safe to proceed without the essential gear required, please keep an eye on your emails and our Facebook page. Should we need to proceed with mandatory gear for your safety, please see the below dates and locations.
Thursday 7 May
Sport Northland
97 Western Hills Drive, Kensington, Whangarei
From 9.00am till 5.00pm
OR
Saturday 9 May
Paihia Village Green
3.00pm till 5.00pm
DROPBAGS
Bag drop service will be available to participants; this gives you the perfect opportunity to restock yourself with your preferred nutrition and hydration. And the chance to change clothes or shoes.
- Location - Paihia Village Green
- Time - Sunday 10 May from 6.00 am. Please use the provided tags and marker pens and attach them to your bag.
How it works: Bring your drop bag to the above location. Labels will be available to write your name and bib number. On event day, your drop bag will be available to you at the Aid Station, approximately at the 27KM mark.
Drop bag collection post-event: Drop bags will be available for collection in the finish area at the Paihia Village green from time 2.00pm.
CUT OFF TIMES
To ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers, and stakeholders. We have implemented cut-off times for the full marathon.
Cut Off Point 1 (19km) – Te Puke / Te Wairoa Road Intersection (First Cut-Off)
-Participants must leave the aid station before 10:59am.
-This is based on an average pace of 11 min/km.
Cut Off Point 2 (27km) – Diesel Road / Skyline Road Intersection (Second Cut-Off)
-Participants must leave the aid station before 12:27pm.
-This is based on an average pace of 11 min/km.
Please ensure you are aware of this as it will be strictly enforced. Participants who arrive after the cut-off times will be given the option to opt out and a lift back to the finish area.
SUPPORT/PACE RUNNERS
Support/Pace runners are able to join participants for the final part of the journey from the Waitangi Mountain Bike park to the finish line.
