Start Groups
Start Groups & Start Times
How are Start Groups & Start Times allocated?
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable course experience for all participants, Start Groups and Start Times will be allocated based on the predicted finish times provided during registration.
This approach helps create a better flow on course, allowing you to run alongside participants of a similar ability and ensuring everyone has the best possible race experience.
Athletes who expect to finish under the specified competitive finish times for the applicable distance are required to provide a qualifying result.
Qualified Categories
Competitive
Predicted finish times under those specified in the registration form for the applicable distance are classified as competitive and expected to place in the top 15% overall.
To qualify, you will need to provide an image of a previous result that meets the below criteria.
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Display first name and last name
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Official or self-timed result
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Display the total elapsed time (moving time will not be accepted)
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Recorded within May 2025 - May 2027
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Minimum 10km distance
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Result time meets the minimum pace specified in the registration form of the applicable distance
Start Group FAQs
Start groups help ensure everyone has a better race experience — faster runners can maintain pace at the front, while others can run comfortably without pressure or congestion.
Previously, start groups had fixed capacities, which meant some athletes couldn’t choose the group that best suited them at registration.
For 2027, start groups will be assigned based on predicted finish time, allowing us to place all athletes in the most appropriate group based on the overall field.
You can adjust your predicted finish time from your participant dashboard up to 11th April 2027.
Start groups and start times will be posted online 4 weeks before the event. You will also receive an email (to your email listed during your registration) notifying you of your Start group and Start Time. No changes will be possible after 11th April 2027.
Match your predicted finish time to increase your chances of being in the same start group. Please list the slowest time out of your friends. Small time differences can put you in different start groups.
Marathon:
Males: 3 hours 57 mins
Females: 4 hours 26 mins
Half Marathon:
Males: 1 hour 59 mins
Females: 2 hours 19 mins
10km:
Males: 1 hour 8 mins
Females: 1 hour 18 mins
Many running apps will give you your average running pace based on previous efforts. To calculate your finish time based on this pace you can use the below calculation or an online pace calculator.
Below are examples for a Half Marathon. You can do the same calculations for a Marathon or 10km by changing the 21.1 to 42.2 or 10 respectively.
Pace (minutes-per-km) x 21.1 = half marathon time (in minutes)
e.g. 6min/km x 21.1 = 126.6 minutes = 2 hours 6 minutes
| Average Pace | Predicted Finish |
|---|---|
| 4:00 mins/km | 1 hour 24 mins |
| 4:30 mins/km | 1 hour 34 mins |
| 4:45 mins/km | 1 hour 40 mins |
| 5:00 mins/km | 1 hour 45 mins |
| 5:30 mins/km | 1 hour 56 mins |
| 5:45 mins/km | 2 hours 1 mins |
| 6:00 mins/km | 2 hours 6 mins |
| 6:15 mins/km | 2 hours 11 mins |
| 6:30 mins/km | 2 hours 17 mins |
| 7:00 mins/km | 2 hours 27 mins |
You will not be penalised if you finisher faster or slower than your predicted time. For the best experience on race day and to start with similar paced participants, choose your most likely predicted finish time.
