Many Novocastrians will push Easter treats to the side this weekend to tick off a major personal milestone.
And, that’s taking part in the final event of the City of Newcastle Running Festival – collectively known as NewRun, the Henderson Newcastle Marathon, on Saturday 19 April.
The first leg, the Hill to Harbour, was a resounding success earlier in the month, with nearly 4,000 participants starting at Bar Beach and finishing at Carrington.
Another 3,000 runners are expected to line-up for the 42.2km marathon(6am) and 21.1km half-marathon (9am).
Both events have attracted athletes, almost 7,000 in total, from across the greater Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney and interstate.
“NewRun is anticipated to inject over $3 million into the local economy,” organiser Paul Humphreys of H Events said.
“The decision to split it into two separate dates was made to encourage greater participation – allowing runners to take part in multiple events across the festival and making the experience more accessible to visitors.
“Unlike several major city marathons, Saturday’s marathon and half-marathon will involve a unique 10.55km loop, designed to minimise disruption to traffic and pedestrians along Newcastle’s Foreshore and beaches.
“Runners will complete four laps of the course, with the latter completing two.”
Staged from The Station, the route begins on Wharf Road, heading towards Nobbys Beach and continuing along Shortland Esplanade to just before the Zarra Street intersection.
Competitors then return to Nobbys, where they’ll take on the newly-renovated breakwall before turning at the seawall and heading back again to Nobbys.
From there, the course resumes around Camp Shortland via Wharf Road and Pasha Way.
It rejoins Wharf Road and passes the Watt Street roundabout toward Argyle Street.
Participants then enter the Honeysuckle precinct, running all the way to the Newcastle Marina before returning along the same route.
Runners will arrive at The Station precinct via The Signal Box, dashing directly through the middle of The Station before rejoining the course at the start point.
On their final lap, they’ll head into the finish chute to complete their race.
“Local sports and community groups are also playing a key role in supporting the event,” Humphreys said.
“All proceeds will go towards their respective causes.
“These include Nobbys Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Newcastle Rowing Club, Wananchi, Macca’s Runners and local running groups.
“Participants have already raised more than $40,000 through peer-to-peer fundraising, making a lasting impact beyond race day.”
For more sports stories:
- Lyall Peacock Oval to benefit from major cash splash
- Jets young gun Taylor ‘disappointed’ by Stanton’s depature
- Schiller, Gamble return for Knights, Lucas still sidelined
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
