8k Classic
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8K CLASSIC
The 8k Classic course has been a staple of local running for many years and was the course used for the original “Coatesville Fun Run” for almost twenty years from the late 80s. The official classic 8k differs only from the traditional “block run” with the addition of a short out-and-back section in Donaldson Drive to make the course an accurate 8k (what US and UK runners would refer to as a “five miler”).
Important! Although it does not carry a current AIMS Certificate, the 8k course has been measured by an AIMS approved course measurer.
RACE DISTANCE
8 km
START TIME
08:30 am
Walkers @ 8:33am
TIME LIMIT
2 hrs
AGE LIMIT
n/a
All Ages
The Course
The 8K Classic course features one circuit of the famous Coatesville "block run", with a short out-and-back near the 5km mark to ensure the distance is an exact 8km. There is a challenging climb past "Dotcom Mansion" at the 2km mark to get you up onto Ridge Rd. But what the terrain taketh, the terrain also giveth back! The last 2km are a glorious downhill finish before the flat final section through Coatesville Pony Club to the finish line.
8K CLASSIC
Race Info at a Glance
The Basics |
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|---|---|
| Race | 8K CLASSIC |
| Race Distance | 8km |
| Event Date | Sunday, February 9th, 2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30am (Competitive Walkers @ 8:33am) |
| Time Limit | 2 Hours |
| Awards Ceremony | 11am (approx 30 mins duration) |
| Age Limit | There is no age limit for this race. |
| Tickets & Fees | See the enter page |
| Number Collection | AHMS Series Pass entrants will receive all five race numbers by courier one week prior to the first event. All other entrants must collect their race number at the Event Venue from 2-4pm on Saturday (the day before the event) or from 6am on race morning. |
| Race Rules | See our general Competition Rules here. |
Event Base |
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|---|---|
| Location | Coatesville Reserve, 4 Mahoenui Valley Rd, Coatesville. Google locators: [start line pin] [finish line pin] |
| Access & Parking | See the dedicated Traffic & Transport page. |
| Refuelling Station | All race finishers will receive a can of SUPA sport drink and a banana when they cross the line. Water will be available from the Refuelling station outside of the finish chute. |
| Toilets | Portaloos will be located in the Coatesville Play Centre car park, which is approx 50m along Mahoenui Valley Rd past the start line. We strongly recommend participants make use of public toilets on the way to the event on race morning. |
On Course |
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|---|---|
| Course Map | See Course Maps & Descriptions |
| Directions | Look out for our directional arrows at all turns and intersections. These will either be a white arrow on a blue circle or - for more detailed instructions - a yellow sandwich board setup on the road. Marshals are also present at all changes of direction. |
| Pedestrians & Dogs | Please be respectful of the public for those few cases where you are sharing a footpath. Friendly, well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome at the event venue however participants must not be accompanied by pets. |
| Toilets | Due to the rural nature of this course, there are no public toilets available on course. Event portaloos will be placed at the corner of Ridge and Glenmore Roads (4km). |
| Aid Stations | Aid Stations are located at: > 3.1km / 140 Ridge Rd > 5.0km / Donaldson Drive Stations will serve water and PURE Electrolyte Hydration (except the aid station at 1.6km which will only serve water). |
Awards & Results |
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|---|---|
| Results | 2025 results will be here and updated live throughout the event. Scan the QR code on your race number to be taken directly to your personal result page. |
| Scoring | In the spirit of athletic competition, awards will be given based on positions across the finish line (a.k.a. "gun time"). However, online results will show - and be ranked upon - the actual time taken between start and finish line (a.k.a. "net time"). |
| Merit Awards | Trophies will be awarded as follows: > Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female overall > Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female in the Competitive Walk category |
| Participation Awards | All finishers receive the 2025 Coatesville Half Marathon finisher medal. A finish at this event also qualifies as part three of the five part qualification for the Auckland Half Marathon Series Grand Slam Medal. |
| Competitive Walkers | To be eligible to compete in the Competitive Walk category, you must: 1/ Be registered in the Competitive Walk category, 2/ Start on the Competitive Walk starting signal (normally 3 minutes after the main race start) 3/ Walk at all times whilst completing the race distance. Full details and information are available on our dedicated Walkers page. |
| Virtual Event | Couldn't make it to the event on race day? You can still record a finish time, earn yourself a finisher medal and continue your pursuit of the AHMS Grand Slam medal by completing the event virtually. Carefully read and adhere to the instructions on our dedicated Virtual Events page. |
Safety |
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|---|---|
| On Course | You must always remain fully aware of your surroundings and look out for uneven surfaces, obstacles or vehicles. Even where the road is closed, we cannot guarantee it will be traffic-free. Only proceed where you are satisfied it is safe to do so. |
| Medics | Medical services will be provide by First Aid NZ. In the case of an emergency, marshals or race crew will contact the on-site medical team in the first instance and - should there be any delay - dial 111. Important! In certain circumstances, on-site medics may be able to respond to an emergency faster than 111. |
| Marshals | Please obey the marshals where they are acting for your safety. Marshals can make emergency calls on your behalf or contact event medical staff. |
Spend time in the countryside this summer ...
... sign up for the Coatesville Half Marathon here.