Ultimate Guide to NZ Running Events: Marathons, Ultramarathons, Trails & Fun Runs (2025–2026)
Explore New Zealand’s best running events for 2025 and 2026—from major city marathons and epic ultramarathons to picturesque trail runs and vibrant community events. Whether you’re chasing personal records or scenic adventures, this comprehensive guide has everything you need.
Major Marathons in New Zealand (2025–2026)
Auckland Marathon
- Type: Road Marathon
- Location: Auckland (Devonport to CBD)
- Date: Sunday, 2 November 2025 (2026 date TBC)
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 11km Traverse, 5km, 2.2km Kids Run
- Website: aucklandmarathon.co.nz
Christchurch Marathon
- Type: Road Marathon
- Location: Christchurch (Hagley Park)
- Date: Sunday, 13 April 2025 (2026 date TBC)
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, Kids’ Mara’Fun (1–3km)
- Website: christchurchmarathon.co.nz
Rotorua Marathon
- Type: Road Marathon (Mixed Terrain)
- Location: Rotorua
- Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025 (2026 date TBC)
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 12km, 5km, 1 Mile, Relay, Kids Run
- Website: rotoruamarathon.co.nz
Hawke’s Bay Marathon
- Type: Road Marathon
- Location: Hawke’s Bay (Napier/Hastings)
- Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025 (2026 date TBC)
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 2.2km Kids Run
- Website: hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz
Wellington Marathon
- Type: Road Marathon
- Location: Wellington (Sky Stadium & Waterfront)
- Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 (2026 date TBC)
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, Kids’ Magic Mile
- Website: wellingtonmarathon.co.nz
Queenstown Marathon
- Type: Mixed Terrain Marathon
- Location: Queenstown, Otago
- Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025 (2026 date TBC)
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 2.2km Kids Run
- Website: queenstown-marathon.co.nz
Ultramarathons & Trail Runs (2025–2026)
Tarawera Ultra-Trail
- Location: Rotorua
- Date: 15–16 February 2025; 14–15 February 2026
- Distances: 21km, 50km, 102km, 100 Miler
- Website: tarawera.utmb.world
Kepler Challenge
- Location: Fiordland (Te Anau)
- Date: Saturday, 6 December 2025; first Saturday of December annually
- Distances: 60km (Kepler Challenge), 27km (Luxmore Grunt)
- Website: keplerchallenge.co.nz
Old Ghost Ultra
- Location: West Coast (Old Ghost Road)
- Date: Saturday, 22 February 2025; Saturday, 21 February 2026
- Distance: 85km
- Website: oldghostultra.com
Motatapu Off-Road Marathon & Ultra
- Location: Wanaka to Arrowtown
- Date: Saturday, 7 March 2026 (annual early March event)
- Distances: 42km Marathon, 52.5km Ultra
- Website: motatapu.com
Taupō Ultramarathon
- Location: Great Lake Trail, Taupō
- Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
- Distances: 24km, 50km, 74km, 100km, 100km Team Relay
- Website: taupoultra.co.nz
Routeburn Classic
- Location: Fiordland/Mt Aspiring National Park
- Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025
- Distance: 32km
- Website: goodtimesevents.net
Popular Parkruns & Community Fun Runs
parkrun New Zealand
- Locations: Nationwide (30+ locations)
- Date: Every Saturday, 8:00am year-round
- Distance: 5km
- Website: parkrun.co.nz
Round the Bays – Auckland
- Location: Auckland CBD to St Heliers Bay
- Date: Sunday, 2 March 2025
- Distance: 8.4km
- Website: roundthebays.co.nz
City2Surf – Christchurch
- Location: Christchurch City to New Brighton Beach
- Date: Mid-March annually (e.g., 15 March 2026)
- Distances: 14km, 6km
- Website: city2surf.co.nz
Local Running Clubs & Series
- Three Peaks Mountain Race: Dunedin (March)
- YMCA Auckland Domain 5k Series: Auckland (Summer evenings)
- WUU2K (Wellington Urban Ultra): Wellington (60km trail run)
Pro Tips for Your NZ Running Calendar
- Mix major races with smaller events.
- Register early; popular races fill fast.
- Vary terrain (road/trail) for a dynamic running experience.
New Zealand’s running scene offers incredible variety and vibrant community spirit. Start planning your 2025–2026 race calendar today and experience unforgettable moments in breathtaking landscapes.
Explore NZ Running Calendar
Find marathons, fun runs, trail races, and walk events across New Zealand for 2025 & 2026.