Frequently Asked Questions
When is the event?
Sunday, 28 January 2024
What time does it start?
The Half Marathon 21km will start at 8.15am
Both 6km and 10km will start at 9.30am.
To ease congestion and ensure a smooth start for all, walkers will be asked to gather at the back of the field behind the runners. Each entrant will be assigned a race number with a timing chip, this will record your time as you cross the start and finish line.
Can I register on the day?
NO sorry. Online entries close 22 January 2024 unless otherwise sold out. There will be no facility to register on the day.
The Course
The 6 and 10km options are designed to be fun and participants may choose to either run or walk these. Due to the distance involved, the half marathon course is not open to walkers and has a cut off time of 3.5 hours.
Please note the terrain for all three options includes vineyard rows, paths, and trails. There will be uneven ground so care should be taken at all times. Entrants should wear trail shoes. Read more...
Where does my money go?
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the New Zealand Brain Research Institute (NZBRI). Read more...
Are there age-group categories?
The Vine Run is a fun event with a focus on participation, there are no age categories.
Are there prizes for the event?
Every competitor over 18 will receive a trophy bottle of Pegasus Bay wine as part of the entry fee. Please note, this is to take away and cannot be consumed at the event. The wine will be available for collection after the race by handing back your race number.
There will be a prize giving for the top 3 female and male competitors in each distance alongside a number of spot prizes.
Can I enter as a walker?
Walkers are welcome to enter the 6km and 10km, however, we do not allow walkers in the half marathon. We ask all walkers to please start at the back behind the runners and keep to the left at all times.
Half Marathon
Maximum cut off time for the half marathon course is 3.5 hours.
Any training tips?
See page Training and Preparation.
What is the weather likely to be?
Summer is a beautiful time of year in the Waipara valley, with an average temperature in January of around 17°C.
The day could start out cold and end up quite hot.
Please prepare for all weather, including sunscreen and a hat. Make sure you also bring a light rain jacket just in case the gods conspire against us!
How do I get to Pegasus Bay Winery?
Pegasus Bay is located just off the main state highway approximately 45 mins north of Christchurch. Once you pass Amberley, the winery is sign posted a few minutes later and you will be turning right onto Stockgrove Road. View map here.
What parking is available?
There is free parking available. There will be marshals on the day directing to you the parking area.
Do you have any accommodation recommendations?
We can recommend the following accommodation options for anyone looking to stay locally after the event:
Is there a time limit or cut off time for any of the events?
Yes the half marathon is 3.5 hours. There is no time limit for the 6km and 10km events, although if any entrant has not completed either of the distances within a reasonable period, the event organisers reserve the right to ask the entrant to forfeit the race. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. In the interest of providing a safe and enjoyable event experience for all entrants, please take in to account the following;
Keep to the left of the course to allow people to pass on the right.
Be courteous to your fellow participants at all times.
Please obey instructions from race officials, volunteers and traffic management at all times.
Will there be aid stations located on the course?
The aid stations positioned along the route, details will be provided at the safety briefing. The aid stations will provide water, toilet facilities and first aid, please bring your own sunblock.
Is the course open to Wheelchairs, Cycles, Roller Blades, Prams/Buggies, Walking Sticks?
This is a family friendly event however due Health & Safety and bearing in mind the terrain involved, it is not possible to use wheeled conveyances (including wheelchairs, baby buggies, scooters, bikes, inline skates) for this event.
Supporters and family?
Supporters and family can set up at the amphitheatre outside the gated finish line. Please note children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Can I bring my dog?
NO. Dogs are not permitted at the event, and accompanying animals of any kind are NOT allowed on the course.
Do I need to register for the race in advance?
Race check-in will take place at Pegasus Bay on the day of the event. For the 6 & 10km options, we recommend you arrive by 8.00am on the day to allow sufficient time to complete the registration process. Further details will be issued closer to the event.
Where can I leave my warm clothes for the finish?
There will be a bag drop service available at the start/finish area. All left items must be labelled with the bag tag given to the entrant at check-in. Please ensure your race bag is labelled before you drop it off at the designated bag drop area. Any gear left at the start line, or discarded and left at any point on the course will be collected and donated to charity. You must not drop any gear anywhere on the course for later retrieval.
Do I wear my race number on the back or front?
Each entry will be given a race number which should be affixed to the front of your running top and be visible at all times.
Can I use an iPod/MP3 player while participating in my event?
Competitors are free to use headphones and personal music devices, although we would recommend taking time to enjoy the surrounding sights and sounds! Check out downloads for Pegasus Bay and Main Divide Music here.
What if I have to drop out?
Please make yourself known to one of the race officials. If you are unable to continue due to a medical emergency, please ask your fellow competitors to inform the next visible race official or volunteer who will be able to inform medical services of your location.
What facilities will there be at the finish area?
Once you have crossed the finish line there will be complementary water, sports drinks and fruit available. A medical practitioner will be on hand should anyone require attention.
Can I bring my own food and drink to the event?
You are most welcome to bring a picnic and relax on the Pegasus Bay lawns after the event. There will be food trucks on site and beer and wine will be available to purchase. We encourage everyone to relax and soak up the atmosphere, refuel and enjoy celebrating with friends and family. We encourage you to make a day of it cheering on fellow competitors and enjoying the entertainment.
Please note due to licensing restrictions it is not possible to bring your own alcohol to this event, and the trophy wine is to take-away only.
I am interested in volunteering at the event, how can I get involved?
If you are interested in volunteering for the event and would like to find out more please email us at info@vinerun.co.nz we wold love to hear from you!
I am a local business owner who would like to provide support, how do I get more information?
We are always grateful to our event partners and supporters who make the event possible. If you would like to be involved please email our team at info@vinerun.co.nz