2024 Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon
Inspired by the ground-breaking Marathon of Afghanistan , Timatanga Hou welcomes you to the first-ever Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon.
The Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon is fuelled by the spirit of inclusivity and friendship, and is an event that combines running with celebrating the many cultures of Afghanistan.
Come join us on Sunday 16th November 2025 in Riverhead Forest for a truly unique event that has been developed n close consultation with the founders of the original Afghanistan Marathon.
To evoke the original context of the Kohi Baba mountain range, high in the Hindu Kush, Timatanga Hou/New Beginnings have created courses largely based on the unsealed road network in Riverhead Forest.
While waiting for runners to return or after the event there will be a range of delicious Afghan food on sale including traditional Kabuli pulao - tasty bits of tender lamb in a bed of fragrant rice. Bolani - a fried flat bread unique to Afghanistan and mantu - delicious meat stuffed dumplings. And, of course, different kinds of chai or tea without which no Afghan meal would be complete.
In addition, there will be musicians playing hazargi music on the Dambura and Dutar along with Afghan handicrafts including carpets on display.
The Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon is organised by Timatanga Hou/New Beginnings Foundation in collaboration with Lactic Turkey, with all proceeds going towards similar future projects.
Choose Your Distance
Once you have read the IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION on this page, click to enter below.
Protect Yourself When You Enter with X Cover (refer seperate section below for details)
Take advantage of our XCover option when you’re doing your online entry. It protects you if you can’t make the event for the likes of injury or catching Covid-19. XCover by Cover Genius is a global refund protection specialist, giving participants the opportunity to apply for a full refund if certain unforeseen circumstances occur and leave you unable to take part in the event as planned.
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Entries close 4pm on Saturday 15 November 2025.
There will be on the day entries from 7:30am on the day of the event at the venue. On the day entries incur a $15 late entry fee.
Event Shirts
Choose from a red or jade (green) quality AS Colour T Shirt
Adult sizes $35 and kids sizes $25.
Available for purchase during the entry process or at the online store. Orders must be received before 1 November 2024.
Getting Here
The event starts and finishes at the Barlow Road entrance to Riverhead Forest, on Ararimu Valley Road. It is approximately 12 kilometres from Riverhead and can be reached by travelling from Old North Road.
Car Parking
There is parking available at the event base BUT it will be limited. We strongly recommend carpooling from Riverhead, or from home.
Location
The map shows the entrance. If using Google Maps, use this link: Riverhead Trail Run. The event base (link here) is a short walk and will be signposted.
Timetable
Swipe tables left to read full details
| Sat 16 November | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| From 7.00am | Registration/bib pick up and on the day entries. Do this at least half an hour before your start time. | ||
| 7:30am | Marathon On the day entries close. | ||
| 7:45am | Marathon briefing | ||
| 8:00am | Marathon start | ||
| 9:45am | Half Marathon briefing | ||
| 10:00am | Half Marathon start | ||
| 10:15am | 10km race briefing | ||
| 10:30am | 10km race starts | ||
| 10:45am | 6km race briefing (walk and run) | ||
| 11:00am | 6km race starts (WALKERS PLEASE START AT BACK OF PACK) | ||
| 1:30pm | Prize Giving at Event base |
Important Race Information
Please ensure you read this information, including the Participant Declaration, before you enter.
COURSE MARKING
To stay safe only follow the tape, marshals and occasional signage (which will be shown at briefing) WE WILL ONLY USE THESE THREE MEANS OF COURSE MARKING. Ignore dots on trees and triangles etc. DO NOT CROSS TAPE that is laid across the ground.
AID STATIONS
- 42km course - 7 aid stations 21km course - 3 aid stations6km course - 1 aid station
PRIZE GIVING
At prizegiving we have some cool token merit prizes for placegetters in each event. But our focus is on spot prizes so everyone gets a chance to win. These are drawn randomly from participants present at the prizegiving.
A NOTE ON MARSHALS
All marshal instructions must be obeyed without question. This is a safety issue. Participants ignore marshal instruction at their own risk.
REFUND POLICY
As this is a charity fundraiser event with 100% of the proceeds going to Timatanga Hou there are no refunds or transfers in any circumstances (apart from if you buy XCover event insurance option).
PARTICIPANT DECLARATION
Event in the following waiver declaration is known as “Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon.”
X COVER - Entry Protection Insurance
Protect Yourself When You Enter with X Cover
