Always had a marathon on your bucket list but never felt quite ready for it physically or mentally? How about an option that is half the distance, set against an amazing backdrop, raises money for a good cause and is a great amount of fun?
Sound a bit more like you? Then look no further than the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon, a fantastic community-based event in beautiful Marlborough taking place on 12th May 2018 where everyone is welcome, and anyone can get involved.
The setting and course
There aren’t too many places more picturesque than Marlborough in New Zealand and the Saint Clair Vineyard certainly takes advantage of that. Established in 1994 by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, the vineyard sits in amazing sceneries with rows of endless vines towards a horizon of green hills and blue skies.
But that’s not the end of it. The 19km course also takes you through 22 neighbouring vineyards including iconic labels like Wairau River, Stoneleigh and Cloudy Bay. In May, the autumnal colours really come to the fore with glorious hues of gold and amber. You’ll certainly be tempted to carry your phone and take snaps along the way!
Taking snaps isn’t the only thing you can do on the course (besides the running). There’ll be taste stations with some unexpected treats and fuel supplements at the start and finish lines. Drink stations every 5km to keep you hydrated and toilets to keep you relieved. Live music to keep you in rhythm and spectator spots for your fans to cheer you on and keep you motivated.
They’ve thought of everything to put it simply to help you get the best out of the day in every possible way!
Beating Bowel Cancer!
As mentioned previously, the Saint Clair Vineyard Half is organised for a worthy cause which is beating Bowel Cancer. Over the last four years, over $170,000 has been raised for Bowel Cancer New Zealand which takes 1,200 Kiwi lives every year.
This year the goal is to raise $80,000 to help improve awareness of this widespread disease and you can take part by entering as 1 of 150 BCNZ entrants with a minimum recommended fundraising pledge of $500.
You’ll get plenty of tips on how to achieve this and there’ll also be great prizes on the day for the top fundraisers and a few extra goodies in your race packs!
How to enter
There are 3 sections you can enter (Run, Hybrid and Walk) to suit the ability and preferences of all.
The entry fee is $99 (with an additional $10 late fee for entries after 1st April).
There are specific registration and start times as well with full event details available on the Saint Clair Vineyard Half website.
Your chance to win!
The Breeze in conjunction with the Saint Clair Vineyard Half, are running a great competition for entrants which includes an amazing prize package with the following:
- 2 entry tickets to the Saint Clair Vineyard Half on May 12th
- Return ferry sailing for 2 passengers and a car, departing Wellington on Friday, May 11th returning Sunday 13th
- Accommodation for two at the Picton Yacht Club Hotel
A fantastic package to win that’ll make an already great weekend, even better with full details on The Breeze website.
Get involved!
So take up this great opportunity and register now for this fun and unique event with the whole community for a fantastic cause!