Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023
Only One Hill! Karekare Half Marathon
Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023
Grunt Factor: 31
Gnarl Factor: 54
21.2km
485m
495m
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Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023
Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023
Grunt Factor: 31
Gnarl Factor: 54
21.2km
485m
495m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Totally/mostly flat
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.6%
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4:00
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:00
Fast
Starting at the Karekare car park, head straight out to the beach - at the waterline turn left and get ready for 10km of sand all the way to Whatipu. If you start at the right time you will be treated to the most spectacular sunrise.
Once at Whatipu, go left at the camp to the well signposted Gibbons track - this is the one hill! It is about 4km long, at the top you'll be directed onto Muir track which drops into the Pararaha Valley.
The track then takes you out to Karekare beach again - follow the Hillary Trail markers heading right to Tunnel Point, this track will take you back to the car park.
Kauri logging remains at Tunnel point. Whatipu Scientific Reserve.
0 km
0 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Water at Karekare, Whatipu, Pararaha Valley, Tunnel Point. All rain or river water.
It can get very wild on the beach with the wind and it can be extremely hot in summer.
Piha Bowling Club
Piha Domain
Cheap Beer, best chips in Piha - only a 10 minute drive from the finish point.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Only One Hill! Karekare Half Marathon
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DC
This is a great run, with interesting features all along it. You can detour to the Whatipu caves if you want. The dunes are super remote and deserted feeling! Note that as of early October 2023, Muir and Gibbons tracks are officially closed due to storm damage. (although I ran them and they were completely fine and safe)
October 27
Enjoyed this adventure. But soft sand and a headwind could mean this first flat 10km is not easy! Some interesting sights along the beach. Gorgeous views along the ridge line. Running through the dunes near the end. Calves are feeling the sand running today..
September 26, 2022
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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