Description

This is the third challenge in the WayWiser Beginner Trail Running Series. For more info on our Challenges, click here: https://waywiser.co.nz/waywiser-challenge-series

Get out to the Manuka Reserve anytime between Thursday - Tuesday, either solo, or with some mates, and complete one of the following:

Birkdale Beginner Bush Run: Approx 6kms

Pro-tip: Time your run so that you're finishing at high tide and enjoy a refreshing swim at the Manuka Reserve beach.

From Manuka Road, head through the playground area. On the other side, you'll see a trail. Once you're on this, just stay "straight" all the way to the end. If you come out on Lynn road, you've exited too early. The trail dead ends on Glendhu road. From here run up Glendhu and make a right on Lynn road. Run down the hill and enter Lynn reserve on your left.

Stay straight through Lynn / Leigh until you come to a fork.
Turn right, you'll emerge on Bryers Place.
Run up Bryers, make a right on Leigh Terrace, then another right on Manuka road.
Turn left on Witheford Dr. Run down the hill until you come to the first left, turn into the cul-de-sac at Valecrest Place.
At the back of the cul-de-sac is a path that leads into Witheford Scenic Reserve. Once inside the reserve, the hard work of navigating is mostly over! Just stay right at the first little junction inside the reserve and then keep straight, this will take you all the way back to Manuka Reserve.

This is a bit of a "connect the green bits" city run, but the bits of bush are really lovely. Enjoy!!

Birkdale Intermediate Bush Run: Approx 12kms

About halfway through running the Witheford Reserve path, you'll come to an intersection with a bridge on your lefthand side. Take this left, cross the bridge, and then take a right. Run this little bit of trail until it dumps you out onto Kaipatiki road. Cross the road and look for a trail head on the other side - but DO NOT CROSS THE BRIDGE. The trail winds around right next to this little inlet. This portion of the trail is an out-and-back. Run as far as you'd like, it's about 3kms to the end, so you'd be adding another 6kms onto your run.

When you return, cross the road, hop back on that same little trail. Once you cross the bridge, make a left and continue back towards the Manuka Reserve.

Feel free to stalk my Strava for more details: https://www.strava.com/activities/783943766

Course maps and parking area are up at the top (header). Scroll right!

Remember:
- You must "Accept the challenge" in order to be eligible for any prizes
- After completing the challenge, you need to share at least one photo and GPS evidence with us. See the 'Sharing your results' section below for more details.

Required Gear

Trail running shoes
Phone / GPS device for tracking
Water / Snacks
Your A-game

Meetup Info

Sharing your results

Map