A New Take on the Lake
Entries for the 2027 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon are open, and this is the year to run the lake like no one has in more than 50 years.
On Saturday 1 May 2027 we're reversing our most famous course. For the first time in over half a century, the full marathon field will set off anti-clockwise around Lake Rotorua, returning the race to the direction it was first run back in 1965. It's the biggest change to the event in over 50 years, and it's all about giving you a better run.
Closer to the water, for longer
Running the lake anti-clockwise keeps you beside the water for much more of the course. Mokoia Island and the shoreline stay in view across long stretches, so you get the best of Rotorua's scenery when your legs need the lift most. The new route also keeps more of the field on quieter roads, away from the busier main ones, for a calmer run underfoot.
One event village on the lakefront
The start returns to the redeveloped Rotorua lakefront, the same stretch runners set off from the last time the course ran this way. For 2027 it becomes a single hub for the whole event, with the start and finish lines wrapped around the event village outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. Cross the line, and everything you need to celebrate is right there.
"We're always looking for ways to make this event better, and turning the course around is the boldest change we've made in a generation," says Jason Cameron, Event Director. "Running the lake anti-clockwise keeps people beside the lake for far longer, so you'll experience new views and scenery for most of the way around. After 50 years the same way, we can't wait for runners to experience this new take on the lake."
A brand new NZCT half-marathon
Turning the course around has opened up something we've wanted to give you for a while: a new NZCT Half Marathon, shaped by your feedback. You told us you wanted a quieter, more scenic half, and that's exactly what this is. The new course starts at picturesque Hamurana Springs and runs anti-clockwise into the city, staying close to the lake on quieter roads and paths before finishing outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. It makes for a lovely run or walk, whichever way you take it on.
A distance for everyone
Whether you're chasing a marathon PB or bringing the whole whānau along, there's a start line for you in 2027:
Red Stag Full Marathon (42.2km)
NZCT Half Marathon (21.1km)
Te Puia 10km
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa 5km
Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay
Kids Mini-Marathon (2.2km)
The Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay is back for its third year since returning in 2025. Its relay format lets runners of all abilities play a part, carrying the wairua of their marae across the stages and coming together at the finish.
Run. Relax. Reconnect.
With events for runners and walkers of every age and ability, and race day falling on a Saturday, it's easy to make a weekend of it. Run your distance, then take your time to relax and reconnect in Rotorua.
Super early bird entries for every event are open now. Lock in the best price of the year, and we'll see you on the lakefront.