First Light Marathon 2025

• Sunrise Start: Marathon begins before dawn, offering views of the first Pacific sunrise.
• Course Details: Varied terrain with pavement, trails, and beach, plus coastal vistas.
• Support Stations: Water and supplies every 4 km, with post-race refreshments.
• Cultural Events: Includes a Maori welcome, pre-race dinner, and post-race gathering.
• Travel Packages: Accommodation options with meals and activities are available.

The First Light Marathon in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand, offers a truly unique running experience. As the first city in the world to greet the sunrise, this marathon invites runners to start their day with breathtaking coastal views. The course is an adventurous mix of single-track trails, roads, and off-road surfaces, including stretches along pristine white sand beaches by the Pacific Ocean. Participants will navigate short, steep hills with stunning sunrise vistas as their backdrop.

Beyond the race itself, the First Light Marathon immerses runners in New Zealand's vibrant culture. A traditional Pōwhiri (Māori welcome) lunch and a celebration dinner enhance the event's cultural richness. With well-organized logistics, including manned water stations and experienced medical personnel, runners can focus on enjoying the race.

Finishers are rewarded with a unique medal and a high-quality race T-shirt, adding a tangible memento to their experience. For those looking to enhance their visit, various travel packages offer accommodation and guided activities, simplifying trip planning. The First Light Marathon is perfect for those seeking a challenging course, stunning scenery, and an enriching cultural journey.

Expect temperatures around 75°F (24°C) with moderate humidity for the First Light Marathon in Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, during late January. While January is relatively dry, anticipate possible moderate precipitation and some cloud cover.

The First Light Marathon in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, New Zealand, offers runners a truly memorable experience. The course weaves through a stunning array of terrains, from pavement and dirt roads to grassy stretches, single-track trails, and sandy beaches. Runners will face short, steep hills that reward their efforts with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Starting and finishing at the boardwalk next to Midway Surf Club, the route highlights landmarks such as the initial hills out of Tairāwhiti Gisborne and a two-kilometer sandy stretch along Wainui Beach. As one of the first places in the world to welcome the new day, the marathon aligns with sunrise, treating participants to a spectacular natural show.

The course is not without its challenges. Its varied terrain and dramatic elevation changes demand endurance and agility, particularly through the single-track trails and steep inclines. Runners should be prepared for a remote race environment, with water stations every 4 kilometers offering hydration and energy boosts.

The First Light Marathon is an exhilarating blend of scenic beauty and physical challenge, promising a rewarding adventure for runners of all levels.

Gisborne, located on New Zealand's North Island, is a unique destination for travelers attending the First Light Marathon. Known for being the first city in the world to see the sunrise, Gisborne offers a stunning coastal backdrop for your race experience. Beyond the marathon, immerse yourself in the region's rich Māori culture and natural beauty.

Explore the breathtaking Rere Rockslide, a 60-meter natural water slide that promises a thrilling experience. On your way there, stop by Eastwoodhill Arboretum, a lush haven of native and exotic trees. For an unforgettable encounter with marine life, join Dive Tatapouri's reef ecology tour, where you can interact with wild stingrays. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Tupapa Heritage Trail, which winds along the Gisborne waterfront, offering insights into the area's cultural heritage.

After the race, unwind at The Wharf Bar & Grill overlooking the Gisborne Inner Harbour, or celebrate with a dinner at one of the local wineries. For those seeking celestial wonders, Gisborne Astro Tours provides a chance to explore the Southern Hemisphere's night sky with an expert astronomer. Whether you're savoring the local wine or catching the first light of dawn, Gisborne is a destination that promises both adventure and cultural enrichment.