Arthritis Marathon

Congratulations and Thank You!

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2011 Arthritis Marathon! It is a fantastic achievement to have completed such an event.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers, supporters and sponsors of the event. The event really could not have been the fantastic success it was without your help.

Please feel free to share your stories, photos and feedback on the Arthritis Marathon Facebook Page or email carol.hall@arthritis.org.nz - we would love to hear/see them :-)

What is it?

This Hamilton based event is now in it second year and welcomes all ages and abilities. The course will be divided into sections (of approximately 7km each) so individuals and teams can choose to complete all or just part of the course. Teams are encouraged to enter as a relay.

See the Official Arthritis Marathon Flyer by clicking here         

Where is it?

This fun marathon will be held in along the picturesque banks of the Waikato River as it meanders through Hamilton, New Zealand.

See the Route Map by clicking here                     

When is it?

Get yourself or your team ready! The marathon will be held on Sunday 4 September 2011.

Start Times:

8am - Marathon Runners Start (Teams and Individuals)

8.10am - Marathon Walkers Start (Teams and Individuals)

Why do it?

To raise funds for the over 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis - helping them to achieve a better quality of life through the support and education services of Arthritis New Zealand.

Just Announced!

Be in the running for the Everyday Hero Top Fundraiser Prize. Simply create a page on Everyday Hero and start fundraising. The person with the higgest amount raised will win the prize.

How much will it cost?

The registration fee is just $20 for an individual and $90 for a team (based on six people in the team).

Along with the registration fee we strongly encourage participants to fundraise $100. This will make an enormous difference to those with Arthritis. To start your own fundraising visit Everyday Hero

What events can I enter?

Individual: You can walk, run or jog the full length of this marathon. A fantastic achievement in itself!

Team Relay: Bring together a team of 2, 3 or 6 colleagues or friends. Each person walks, runs or jogs their own section of the course making up the full length of the marathon.

Wheelchair Friendly Loop: This 5km loop has the same start and finish line as the marathon and takes in a section of the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. Support will be available along this loop.

How do I register?

Register now - numbers are limited!

Or contact Carol Hall on (07) 839 1209 or email carol.hall@arthritis.org.nz

For more information about Arthritis New Zealand, visit www.arthritis.org.nz

Keep up to date on our Arthritis Marathon Facebook Page     

The official Twitter hashtag is #ArthritisMarathon   

Check-in to Arthritis Marathon on FourSquare  

What other ways can I be involved?

Fundraising:

Have fun fundraising for Arthritis New Zealand. Whether or not you are participating in the marathon you are encouraged to join the fundraising efforts and make a real difference to the lives of thousands of New Zealanders who suffer from Arthritis through Everyday Hero Arthritis Marathon Fundrasing.

Volunteering:

An event of this magnitude can only be possible with the help of our valuable volunteers. You can make a difference in many areas of the marathon by volunteering today. Areas include; marshalls, water station, support teams, finish line and pre event. To join our volunteer team at the Arthritis Marathon simply email Carol with an indication of the areas that interests you carol.hall@arthritis.org.nz

Download a Volunteer Registration Form here! 

Make a Donation:

Want to help but can't be there on the day? Donate Now and all proceeds go directly to Arthritis New Zealand.

What else do I need to know?

Route: The route will be two loops of a 21km course.

Start / Finish: The marathon shall start at the bottom of Grantham Street, Hamilton. Further information will be provided closer to the time.

Water Stations: There will be regular water stations along the route (approximately every 7km).

Team Relay Entries: In a team of 2 each person will complete one 21km loop. In a team of 3 each person will complete one 14km stretch with the change-over at the appropriate water station. In a team of 6 each person will complete one 7km stretch with the change-over at each water station. 

Refunds: Refunds are available subject to an administration charge of $15. Request for refunds must be received before 15 August 2011 and made at the discretion of the race organisers.

Dogs: There are no dogs allowed on the course.

Time Limit: Due to traffic management requirements there is an 8 hour time limit from the start time.

Course Length: The decision to officially measure the length of the course is currently being reviewed. The unofficial length of the course is 42km give or take a little and as such determine this marathon to be recreational. An update on the measurement of this course will be posted here soon.

Arthritis - The Key Facts:

 - In 2011, over 530,000 New Zealanders aged 15 or over are living with at least one type of arthritis. This equates to nearly 1 in 6 people.
 - Over a 1000 children and young people under the age of 18, are affected
 - Over 25,000 New Zealanders will not work in 2011 due to arthritis
 - It is a painful and unpredictable disease
 - There is no cure
 - Treatments for some forms of arthritis now allow remission
 - There are over 140 different types of arthritis, of which osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and gout are the most common
 - Arthritis affects people of all ages, from infants through to the elderly and can strike at any time
 - Arthritis is the single greatest cause of disability in this country
 - It costs Arthritis New Zealand over $5 million a year to provide essential services –the government funds approximately 12%. The balance is met through donations from individual donors and fundraising activities such as the national Annual Appeal week held in September. 

Arthritis Marathon in the media:

Arthritis Sufferers Face 42km Challenge - Hamilton Press

Watch Central News on Freeview HD channel 30 on Tuesday 19 July 2011 at 7.30pm

Thank You!

We would like to thank the following businesses for their fantastic support of the Arthritis Marathon.

If you would like to add your support please contact Carol Hall on (07) 839 1209 or email carol.hall@arthritis.org.nz