The Auckland Marathon course runs from Devonport on Auckland's North Shore, through Takapuna to the Smales Farm Bus Station where it joins the Busway southbound to the Auckland Harbour Bridge. After crossing the Bridge, the course takes in Westhaven Marina, the Viaduct Harbour (the halfway mark), before heading out along Auckland City's waterfront. This section of the course is an out and back, with the turn point being in St Helier's Bay. The return leg follows the same course back to the Viaduct Harbour for a finish at Victoria Park. The first half of the course is best described as "rolling" while the second half, other than two small road bridges, is flat.
Starting in a small French style part of Auckland public transport to the event is great. First 5km up hill then flat until crossing the main harbour bridge and 1km of hill up the bridge then it's completely flat after that running along the water front to the turn at St Helier's and finishing in a great park and finishing village.
Race Tips
Keep warm until the start then leave behind additional clothing for charity.
Public transport so very easy to get to the start line. If you get the ferry to the start line don't leave it too late and get an early one and stay warm inside the ferry building.
