Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
The Rubbish Run
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 57
13.7km
100m
100m
20m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 57
13.7km
100m
100m
20m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Urban fringe
Loop
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Plantation/exotic forest
Beach
Coastal
Riverside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +0.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -1.5%
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1:45
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:15
Fast
This Run is dedicated to Matt the Rubbish Runner and Wild Thing legend. The Rubbish Runner is out for a stretch most days and collects any crap lying about to make the the world a better place for us all. Look up the Rubbish Runner on Facebook and lend your support, perhaps even pick some up yourself! The run itself starts in on the beach, look for the Regional Park signpost by the carpark and pick up the trail that skirts off into a recently logged area. This trail winds north, and briefly skirts the motor camp where you run past a few caravan sites. Look for the Kaiapoi Walkway sign and enter the forest.
Head north and if you are on track you'll soon reach the access road to Pines Beach, which you cross and pick up the trail again for slightly towards the beach. Form here its a nice shared use trail (watch for bikes and horses) all the way through the forest and its fringes until you reach Woodend Beach. At Woodend Beach head out to the sand dunes and then get on the nice hard packed sand and follow the surf all the way south back to the Kairaki Beach end where you started. Try and avoid high tide for the best beach running conditions. And needless to say...if you see any rubbish...!
Waimakariri River Mouth and Pegasus Bay Coastline.
Plenty of parking at the beach
11 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Take care to follow the description in the forest at the Kairaki end, the logging has changed things a bit. If in doubt just keep heading north.
Generally good.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
You can source water at the Woodend Beach roadend
Usual stuff, sometimes hot in summer, sometimes cold in winter. Dress for the forecast.
Some further areas of forest may be logged in the future
Theres a new Eagle Brewery opening in Kaiapoi Early 2019
Craft Beer :)
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Rubbish Run
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Well, It was a cold rainy Friday, and I didn't want to take the corolla up some muddy mountain trail, so I went down to Woodend Beach and did this classy little loop. There was mud galore behind the sand dunes (bonus), I got swooped by a cranky plover going through some wetlands and found a giant fishing bouy on the beach on my return trip 'garbage collecting' at low tide...It was half way along, and sadly would not fit in my vest pocket..but this run is gold, I started at woodend Beach as the carpark at the other end was full of whitebaiter vehicles...but come along and grab some garbage on this lovely fresh air run!!
September 30, 2022
I ran it in reverse for tidal reasons. It was lovely through the trees and on the beach! A bit “meh” on the last 3 k’s or so. I love the concept of bringing a bag to collect rubbish and I may have to make a habit of it.
June 11, 2022
More interesting than I expected. Nice pine tree cover on the way out and driftwood strewn beach on the way back. I (stupidly) ran at the peak of high tide - would advise against this!
July 14, 2021
A satisfying run mainly because you feel good about picking up a heap of trash. When your extra backpack gets too full, and is uncomfortable worn frontwards, just take turns letting it swing from your hand. It doesn't rattle as much this way either. Unless, like me you pick up an old rusty spray paint can with a ball bearing mixer. You sound like your own parade .
May 26, 2019
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