Auckland Marathon - Run or Not

Registration process

Straight forward, professionally set up and user friendly registration process via Auckland Marathon website www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz. Doesn't take long and you can pay by VISA and MasterCard.

Price

Expensive .
Super early (Dec - Feb) - NZD 140.40 Early (March - May) - NZD 156.60 
General (June - Aug) - NZD 172.80 
Late (Sep - Oct) - NZD 189 
At the Expo - NZD 205.20
(NZD - New Zealand Dollar)

This rating is also affected by the support and give-aways you get before, during and after the race. There are some expensive races that provide lots of food on course and after and interesting gifts for runners... this race is not one of them.

Communication

Very good whether via email or during the event. There was some confusion at the expo where the information stall doesn't actually give you any information about the course, aid stations or toilets (this you have to go and find at the unmarked display between other stalls at the Expo) and one crew member annoyed by me asking questions.

Expo

It was one of the smallish I've seen, however not as small as Kuching Marathon Expo for example. If you go early you can avoid long queues to pick up your bib and have a chance to explore what's on offer. 
The package pick up process was quick and easy, just show your confirmation email (printed or electronic version).

All stalls marked clearly. Simple 'U' shape path with one entry and one exit. Do not expect any freebies or awesome discounts though.

As usual, the title sponsor had a big space and some merchandise but you had to sign up with them to get those. 
The stalls included: ASB, Asics, Jaybird, Fitbit, Smartwool, SportsLab, Marathon World Travel, Clif, John West Tuna, 2XU.

Goodie bag and giveaways

You are getting just one, plastic drawstring bag that you need to use later for your gear drop. 
There is not much inside: your running bib, 2 pieces of Kinesio tape, 2 protein bars, a small belt pouch, your chosen head wear and a couple of discount and competition coupons.

Weather conditions

Just perfect. Temperature between 15C in the morning and 21C early afternoon. Cloudy and with just a gentle breeze. A little bit of sun from time to time made the views even more scenic.

Course

Just beautiful and I didn't even mind the turn around point at 31 km and going back for 12 km the same way. The views were just stunning on either side of the road whether the blue sea, green hills, local shopping strips or picturesque marinas.

Amenities on the course

Sufficient. Water, energy drinks, flat Coke. Toilets provided at all 11 aid stations.

Post race village and facilities

Don't get me wrong, the village is nice, the atmosphere fantastic. Plenty of lush green grass to sit or lie down and have a picnic. Abundance of toilets, food stalls and entertainment, but when you finish you just getting your medal and a bottle of energy drink and have to pay for all the rest, and it's not cheap, even a sports massage is $15 for 10 minutes.

Verdict

Great race for any marathon runner.
Mostly flat apart from the Auckland Harbour Bridge climb.
Just a proper race in perfect weather and road conditions.
Yes, I would recommend it as a first marathon.