Race Day

Race Day

It’s the big day! Here's some handy info to ensure a successful and safe day out at the 2026 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon.

View the comprehensive 2026 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon Event Guide here.

  • View the full schedule for the event weekend on our schedule page here.

  • Pin your race bib to your shirt's front. Ensure it has your correct race details and is the correct distance.

    Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your bib.

    Also, complete the info on the back in case of medical assistance needs. Stay safe out there!

  • Your bib number comes equipped with a timing chip. Start under the start banner and finish at the finish line for accurate timing.

    Official rankings use gun time, but your start and finish times are also recorded.

  • Event Day Changing Facilities:

    Will be available at the following starts for the events:

    • Red Stag Rotorua Marathon & Wai Ariki 5km – In the Rotorua Energy Events Centre from 6.00am to 8.30am

    • NZCT Half Marathon – At Whangamarino School from 6.30am to 7.30am

    • Te Puia 10km – At Te Puia from 6.30am to 8.30am

    Will be available at the main finish for all events

    • Rutherford Room, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Please note there are no public showering facilities available.

  • A gear bag service will be provided for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km events. 

    A personalised gear bag tag will be provided with your event bib. Carefully remove the tag from the bottom of the race bib and attach it securely to your bag.

    Only the official RM gear bag that you will recieve at registration can be placed on the gear bag truck (when announced to do so) at the start areas for each event. Your bag must be securely closed so that no items can fall out during transport.

    Only gear bags will be accepted, not individual clothing items, drink bottles etc. 

    All gear bags will be taken back to the Matariki Room (opposite the Novotel Rotorua and next to finish line) to be uplifted by competitors at the conclusion of their event on the day. Gear collection will close at 5pm on event day.

  • Bus transportation is included for ALL participants with their Half Marathon entry. Buses for all half marathon participants from outside Rotorua iSite on Fenton St to Whangamarino School

    Buses start departing from 6:00am to 7:00am (last departure) to Whangamarino School, a journey of approximately 15mins. For logistical and safety reasons, there will be NO personal drop-offs permitted for participants. Participants must use the event transport provided within their entry.

    • Drop off: Available at the main Te Puia entrance

    • Parking: Available in the southern Te Puia carpark via the Hemo Roundabout.

    • Buses to 10km start at Te Puia depart from Rotorua iSite on Fenton Street ($8 – must be purchased in advance online or at registration)

  • On Friday, use the street parking on Lower Tutanekai St

    Keep in mind, town parking is metered and traffic wardens will be around.

    Click here for Saturday parking information.

  • Medical support by Peak Safety EMT will be at the finish area.

    To ensure your comfort after the event, have warm clothes ready for you after you finish. Consider having family or friends assist you after the event.

  • For the Full Marathon and NZCT Half Marathon each kilometre will be signposted and will indicate the distance travelled.

  • Official event timing will cease at 5.00pm Saturday evening.

  • We strongly advise event supporters against following the event by any means of transportation, including bikes.

    Course vehicles will be available to assist entrants who may be unable to complete their event, ensuring their safe return to the finish area.

  • Live results will be available here.

    Check out more prizegiving information here

    • Pre-ordered merchandise can be collected from the Expo at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside at registration on Friday, 1st May (10:00am – 8:00pm) or on Saturday, 2 May from 6:00am.

    • Limited stock will be available for sale onsite

  • Changed your mind and want to change event? You can transfer to a different event or assign your entry to another person online until Friday 1st May at 8pm. We recommend completing your transfer before race day to avoid waiting in line at registration. Simply visit the Rotorua Marathon Race Roster website, click ‘Transfer’, and select your new event. A $20 transfer fee applies. Make sure you do this before going to collect your bib.

  • Will be available via Marathon Photos Live. Photos are available online within seconds of being taken. Video will be available online within 24-48 hours of the event.

  • For the safety and enjoyment of all participants please ensure you adhere to these FIVE important rules:

    1. No ear buds, headphones or similar device are to be worn during any event

    2. No dogs are permitted at the event (except guide dog)

    3. No dropping litter around the courses (except aid station cups which will be collected by aid station groups).

    4. Follow the instructions of traffic management & marshals on courses

    5. No BYO alcohol is permitted in the finish area or Lakefront Reserve

Rules of the Road

  • Stick to the right-hand side of the road, except for the final stretch, and within the final stretch. Failure to do so may result in disqualification, especially in winding or narrow sections.

  • Although some sections of the road are closed, local residents may access their properties. Remember, you're a pedestrian and participate at your own risk. Don't assume right of way or that there's no traffic.

  • Always stay inside the line of any road cones on the course. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification. Walkers, please stay no more than two abreast to avoid blocking runners or causing hazards. Follow instructions from Police, Event Officials, and Marshals.

  • If you expect to finish after 7 hours, carry your own drinks or have support available towards the end of the course.

  • Baby buggies, scooters, and similar devices (including wheelchairs) are not allowed.

    Pets are also not permitted.

  • For the safety of all participants, headphones, earphones, or any hearing-impairing devices are not permitted.

Pace Groups

  • Pace runners will be available for the following paces. Look out for their orange - coloured flags at the start lines. 

    • 3h00m

    • 3h30m

    • 4h00m

    • 4h30m

    • 5h00m

    • 5h30m

    • 6h00m

  • The Half Marathon will have pace runners for the following paces. Look out for their navy blue-coloured flags at the start lines. 

    • 1h30

    • 1h40

    • 1h50

    • 2h

    • 2h10

    • 2h20

  • Your friendly Pacer will keep you motivated and share their marathon wisdom, especially during those challenging final kilometres.

    With their extensive marathon experience, they understand the highs and lows of the race.

    Running with a pace group offers multiple benefits:

    Maintaining a steady pace is crucial in a marathon - too fast early on can be costly, and too slow might mean missing your target time.

    Plus, running with a group provides valuable companionship that helps the miles fly by.

    You'll easily spot your Pacer with colourful balloons and a bib displaying the target time on the back. Just head to the start chute sign with your desired time. Feel free to join a group at any point during the race.