Governors Bay to Lyttelton
This “Chasing start” race open to all runners. Start times will be based on your estimated finish, and starters go off in different waves. Steadier runners head off before faster ones so if everybody runs to their estimated 10km time they should finish together. A unique ending for an awesome event.
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The current race was first run on this course on 11th August 1962.
This was a change from the previous Handicap race, which was run for many years from Lyttelton, over the Bridle Path to the Opawa Methodist Church, Opawa. Entrants used to catch the train from Christchurch to Lyttelton and leave their gear bags on the train which were then transported back to the finishing area in Opawa.
The race sheet had the following preamble “Owing to the differing opinions expressed on the nature of the course covered by the Bridle Path Race , and difficulties being encountered with the Tunnel Road, we are replacing this event with a road race from Governors Bay to Lyttelton. Such a race was last run prior to World War I and the record for the fastest time is held , we understand, held by an uncle of Bill Richards of the Technical Club".
In the 2020 race were two starters from the original 1962 event. Well done to Peter Coughlan ( then Technical; now New Brighton Olympic ) & John Gordon (then Marist and now Port Hills).
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Important note for vehicle parking: The parking at Governors Bay is very limited so we suggest runners park at Lyttelton and travel in groups to Governors Bay. We will take your gear bag back to the finish for you.
We take the health and safety of all competitors seriously so while competitors compete at their own risk we require athletes to give vehicles the right of way at all times.
As most of this race is on the main road all competitors must always run within1m of the right-hand side of the road – this is a strict condition and will be monitored. Failure to obey may result in disqualification or even worse, an accident.
All runners must wear their race number displayed on their front and a race chip.
It is important (and also a Health & Safety requirement) that you have your race number visible at all times during the race. We ask you warm-up in your extra layers but start off wearing the top you intend running the whole race in. Don’t worry about being cold - the hill at the start gets rid of this problem!
Runners must pick up their race chips 15 minutes before their start time. If you are a community runner you will collect your race number then too.
Runners must be at the start line at least 5 minutes before they are due to start
Runners need to run with a microchip tied to their shoes - please untie the microchip at the end of the race and place in the container provided when you finish.
No headphones / earplugs to be worn (safety issues).
Please note this is a running race so while we accept some runners may walk some parts of the hills, we do not allow people to walk the race.
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Runners start from the Governors Bay school up the hill to the main road. From there they run along the main road until Voelas Road (about 1.2km to go) where they turn right. Runners turn right again into Godley Quay and finally end up on the recreation grounds near the end of the Quay.
At the end of the event runners will receive a flower to celebrate their achievement. There will also be 10 Spot prizes of glorious bouquets from Aromaunga Baxter flowers, the race sponsors, presented to finishers picked at random.
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To view the map Click Here