Race Tekapo Half Marathon

The course starts at the Village Green. You head along the paths from the village to Tekapo Springs. Once you reach the entrance to the Tekapo Springs car park you cross the road (take care) and head up the Mt John track - this is well sign-posted to the left of the springs. The track takes you up behind the springs and into the forest above.

You weave through the trees and then pop out onto tussock-land and continue the ascent towards the summit. The ascent is steep - lots of walking to be done!

As you head to the top there is a sign where the track splits - you take the right path and head towards the rocky outcrop at the summit. Make sure you stop and take in the views here.

You then use the path and head along the summit - the Mt John Observatory will be on your left (you effectively run below the observatory and cafe buildings). You then come to another sign - turn right here and head down the rocky pathway, continuing along the summit. The track is formed in the paddocks that sit on top of the mountain - keep going along the path, crossing over a farm fence (stile), and all the way to the Hitching Post. This is another great spot for a photo - the views up the lake are incredible.

After the hitching post you turn towards your right and head down the path. It criss-crosses down the side of the mountain. Please take extra care here as it is quite unstable underfoot.

You continue on the trail around the base of the mountain as you head back towards Lake Tekapo Village. You follow the path network back to where you started, at this point you pass the Village Green and head around the pathway to the iconic footbridge. Cross this and head around the front side of the Church of The Good Shepherd.

Follow the paths all the way to the Regional Park (you can see the forest from Tekapo - just head in that direction, always staying on the lake side paths beside the road). Turn right towards Cowan Hill tracks and follow this up alongside the highway.

The course in the forest can be a little complicated. If you are not using a GPX file it is best if you stay on Simpson Drive, this runs through the forest and is the main road to follow -this then turns into Schlaepfer Track. Eventually you will come out on to Lilybank Rd - this is sealed. Turn to your left and carefully cross the road - you will cross through a reserve area here to the lakes edge.

Follow the trails all the way around the lakes edge and eventually you will re-join the pathway that you took on your way out.

Return to the Village Green to finish.