THE FRESHCHOICE OXFORD HALF MARATHON

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The Freshchoice Oxford Half Marathon course has gained a reputation as being hard but achievable.
2023 is the seventh year the event has been held, each year seeing different conditions on the summit, offering lots of variety for repeat competitors.  With 360 degree views along the summit, the climb is well and truly worth it!
The half marathon event has the option of entering the race as a Run or Tramp.  

Date: Saturday 15th April 2023 

Distance: 21K 

Start Time: 

• Tramp 7:00am   
• Run 8:00am     

Start/Finish Line: Coopers Creek, Mountain Road

Race Briefings: 

• Tramp 6:45am
• Run 7:45am

Minimum Age: 16yr

Cut Off Times: n/a

Result Categories:1st, 2nd, 3rd Women, Men Overall

Prize Money: $100 1st Female, $100 1st Male

King and Queen of the Mountain: 1st Female to the summit of Mt Oxford $50 + prize, 1st Male to the summit of Mt Oxford $50 + prize

Additional Info: There is no cut off for the 21km event. 

The race starts in Coopers Creek, at the base of Mt Oxford. The beginning of the course sees you climbing steeply up the mountain. Approximately half of the climb is in the bush, the other half is out in the tussocks where you get a taste of the incredible views to come. Once you reach the summit you have awe-inspiring 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains, and right across to the South Pacific Ocean. You will get to enjoy these right along the summit. As you descend the  mountain you head through the ‘goblin forest’ that will make you feel like you are in a different world. The descent is a bit like the climb up the mountain - relentless but amazing!

Once you are off the mountain you then take an undulating track back towards the finish line. You will be going through creeks, enjoying some great technical terrain, and experiencing some more of the most stunning bush life New Zealand has to offer.

There is the possibility of snow on the summit, adding to the 'adventure' element of the race.  You are welcome to carry poles with you.

​Mt Oxford has to be experienced to be believed, sign up for this great challenge and experience the mountain and NZ nature at its best!