How to Spectate Like an Absolute Legend

Your ultimate guide to showing up loud, proud, and full of forest energy 🌲💚

There’s nothing like a sweaty high five, a cheeky sign, or the sound of a cowbell echoing through the trees to lift a runner’s spirits. Whether you're cheering on your mate, your mum, your partner, or your office running crew – this is your time to shine.
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Here’s how to bring the vibes and support your athlete like an absolute legend at Run the Forest.

1. Be Loud. Be Seen. Be Extra. 🎉

This is not the time to play it cool. This is the time to go full forest hype squad.

Make a sign. Funny. Encouraging. Even slightly unhinged. We’re here for it.
Some all-time faves:

• “Smile if you peed a little.”
• “You’re doing amazing, sweaty.”
• “This seemed like a good idea 3 months ago!”

Dress up. Tutus, morph suits, wigs, matching outfits, inflatable dinosaurs — we love to see it. Bonus points for glitter or group themes.

Bring a speaker. Crank the tunes (respectfully), and create a one-person rave in the bush. It’s impossible to walk past Taylor Swift and not smile. Fact.

Your mission: Make your runner feel like an absolute rockstar.

2. Where to Set Up: Spectator Hot Spots 📍

Want front row seats to the action? These are the best places to cheer loud and make memories:

Start Lines:

• 21km start line @ Te Puia – Big energy. Hype them up before they hit the trails.
• 10km start line @ Froude Street Reserve – Early nerves. Coffee and claps, people.
• 7km start line @ The Sails – Shake out the nerves with good energy and loud cheers.

Hotspots:

• Redwoods Aid Station – Just past halfway and deep in the forest – where your cowbell and energy hit hardest.
• Sala Street – Prime cheer zone! Bring the signs, bring the vibes, and catch your runners flying by.
• Sulphur Point – Scenic and sunny – perfect for photos and cheering as they enter the final stretch.

Finish Line:

• Government Gardens – Good vibes only. Tears and finish line photos incoming.

🗺️ Hot tip: Give yourself extra time to move between spots. Parking can fill up fast — walking or biking is a great move to get around the forest.

3. Spectator Pro Tips 🕺​

• Get in early. Especially near the finish line – it’s a vibe you won’t want to miss.
• Stay safe. Follow marshal directions and respect course markings.
• Bring the basics. Snacks, water, layers, and a camp chair = elite spectator setup.
• Be kind. To other spectators, volunteers, and most importantly, your runner (even if they’re mid-trail meltdown).

 4. Why You Matter More Than You Know ❤️

That moment they see you on course? Game changer.
That sign you thought was “too silly”? Burned into their memory forever.
That last big yell 200m from the finish? It gets them there.

Your support turns a their run into something unforgettable.
So go big. Go bold. Go full forest cheerleader.

We see you – and we love you for it. 💚