An Update on Walks in 2027
For generations, walkers have been an important part of the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Your passion, commitment and support have helped shape the event into what it is today, and we sincerely thank the walking community for the role it has played in our history.
Following a review of the event programme, competitive walking categories and results will no longer be offered at the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon from 2027. This decision has been made to ensure fairness and transparency for everyone taking part.
Competitive walking requires specialist judging to accurately assess walking technique throughout an event. At an international level, race walking competitions are typically conducted on short lap courses, allowing qualified judges to observe competitors multiple times during a race. The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon offers longer-distance events across extensive courses. As a result, it is not practical to provide the level of judging required to fairly and consistently administer competitive walking results across all courses.
The review also highlighted challenges in maintaining accurate walking results. Despite detailed pre-event information, some entrants who register as walkers choose to change their approach before or during the event and complete the course as run-walk participants or runners. While participants should always feel free to complete the event in the way that best supports their goals, these changes make it difficult to ensure walking results remain accurate and equitable for everyone.
From 2027, all participants will be recognised equally as event finishers and will receive an official finish time. This approach reflects what the Rotorua Marathon is ultimately about: challenging yourself, achieving personal goals and enjoying the unique experience of completing an iconic event. Whether you walk, run-walk or run, every finisher's achievement deserves to be celebrated.
We’re committed to an inclusive event that welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities and celebrates the accomplishment of reaching the finish line.