Running Events Across New Zealand

Discover marathons, trail runs, and coastal races throughout the North & South Islands

View Events Calendar

Upcoming Running Events

Plan your running year with our comprehensive event calendar

Current Month

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Marathon/Half Marathon
Trail Run
Coastal Run
Fun Run / Charity Event

Featured Running Events

Signature races that showcase New Zealand's most spectacular running environments

Kepler Challenge
Trail Run

Kepler Challenge

First Saturday in December

Fiordland National Park, South Island

60km mountain run

New Zealand's premier mountain run traversing the spectacular Kepler Track. This challenging event attracts runners from around the world to experience Fiordland's awe-inspiring landscapes.

Alpine Views Technical Terrain World Heritage Area
Event Details
Tarawera Ultramarathon
Trail Run

Tarawera Ultramarathon

February

Rotorua, North Island

50km, 100km, and 100-mile options

Run through native forests, past stunning lakes and waterfalls in this iconic ultra running event featuring the geothermal wonders of the Rotorua region.

Volcanic Terrain Indigenous Culture Multiple Distances
Event Details
Auckland Marathon
Marathon

Auckland Marathon

October/November

Auckland, North Island

5km, 11km, Half Marathon, Full Marathon

New Zealand's premier road running event takes you across the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge with spectacular views of the city skyline and Waitemata Harbour.

Harbour Bridge Urban Coastal Beginner Friendly
Event Details
Coastal Challenge
Coastal Run

The Coastal Challenge

March

Orewa to Wenderholm, North Island

33km coastal adventure run

Experience the stunning coastline north of Auckland on this unique point-to-point adventure run that combines beach running, cliff trails, and forest tracks.

Beach Running Tidal Crossings Coastal Views
Event Details

Running Events By Region

Discover local runs across New Zealand's diverse landscapes

Feb 15

Bay of Islands Marathon

Paihia to Russell coastal road run with spectacular bay views

Marathon
Mar 08

Orewa Beach Fun Run

Family-friendly 5k and 10k runs along Orewa's golden beach

Fun Run
May 22

Waitakere Ranges Trail Series

Challenging forest trails through Auckland's western ranges

Trail Run
Jan 12

Rotorua Summer Series

Trail running through redwood forests and geothermal areas

Trail Run
Apr 05

Taupo Half Marathon

Scenic lakeside run with views of Lake Taupo and mountains

Half Marathon
Jun 18

Mount Maunganui Beach Run

Coastal run around the iconic Mount and main beach

Coastal Run
Feb 28

Wellington Round the Bays

Popular run along Wellington's scenic harbor front

Fun Run
Mar 15

Tararua Mountain Run

Challenging alpine traverse of the Tararua Range

Trail Run
Sep 10

Wairarapa Country Marathon

Rural road race through vineyards and farmland

Marathon
Jan 08

Abel Tasman Coastal Classic

Stunning 36km run along New Zealand's most beautiful coastal track

Coastal Run
Mar 22

Marlborough Wine Country Half

Run through scenic vineyards with wine tasting stations

Fun Run
Oct 15

Nelson Mountain Marathon

Challenging mountain routes in the Richmond Ranges

Trail Run
Feb 05

Queenstown Marathon

Spectacular run around lakes and mountains of the Wakatipu Basin

Marathon
Apr 12

Dunedin Coastal Trail Run

Rugged coastal peninsula run with wildlife sightings

Coastal Run
Nov 20

Milford Track Mountain Run

One-day traverse of New Zealand's most famous hiking track

Trail Run

Training for Your Next Event

Prepare for New Zealand's unique running challenges with these specialized training tips

Trail & Mountain Events

New Zealand's trail events feature significant vertical gain and technical terrain that require specific preparation:

  • Incorporate hill repeats to build climbing strength
  • Practice downhill running technique on similar terrain
  • Train with hiking poles if the event has major climbs
  • Include strength work focused on lateral stability

Key NZ Challenge: The volcanic terrain of many North Island trails demands specialized footwear and technique.

Coastal & Beach Runs

Running on New Zealand's coastal trails and beaches presents unique training considerations:

  • Practice running on soft sand to build ankle strength
  • Train in windy conditions to prepare for coastal weather
  • Include tidal crossing practice where relevant
  • Work on transitions between beach and trail surfaces

Key NZ Challenge: Many coastal events involve running across varying surfaces from hard-packed sand to rocky headlands.

Road Marathons & Urban Events

New Zealand's road marathons often feature challenging hills and changing weather conditions:

  • Include rolling hill training even for "flat" courses
  • Prepare for variable weather with layered training runs
  • Practice race nutrition in similar conditions
  • Train on mixed surfaces for urban events

Key NZ Challenge: The undulating nature of many NZ road courses can surprise runners expecting flat terrain.

Weather Preparation

New Zealand's changeable weather requires specific training approaches:

  • Train in all conditions you might face on race day
  • Practice your gear transitions and layering strategy
  • Include heat adaptation if racing in summer months
  • Test all wet weather gear before race day

Key NZ Challenge: Four seasons in one day is common - prepare for rapid weather changes during longer events.