Red Stag
Marathon
Test your endurance and take on the longest standing marathon in Aotearoa and write your name in history.
The Original Challenge
Race Details
| Date | Saturday 2nd May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | View All Entry Fees |
| Distance | 42.195km |
| Start Time | 8:00am |
| Start Line | Queens Drive, Government Gardens |
| Finish Line | Novotel Rotorua Lakeside |
| Minimum Age | Full marathon entrants must be 18 years or older on race day to compete. |
| Time Limit | Competitors need to be at the 23.5km mark (Ramada Resort) by 1.00pm, otherwise there will be a minivan for those that don't make the cut off and they will be taken to the finish line. Official event timing will cease at 5.00pm. Those crossing the finish line after this time will be deemed not to have finished and will not be eligible for the finisher's medal. |
| Personalised Drink Bottle Stations | Drink bottles must be delivered to the team at registration before 8.00pm on Friday 1st May. Bottles must be clearly labeled with name, race number and station. Personalised bottles will be the first table at the following stations - No3 9.3km, No6 19.5km, No8 27.8km, No11 37.0km. Bottles will not be returned at the conclusion of the event. Please ensure they can be recycled. |
| Prize Money | Overall Men: 1st - $2,000 2nd - $1,000 3rd - $500 Overall Women: 1st - $2,000 2nd - $1,000 3rd - $500 | Walkers | Walkers are welcome in all events, and walkers will be separated in the results. However, there are no merit awards for walkers. |
| NZ Championships | This edition of the Rotorua Marathon will double as the masters New Zealand Marathon Championships. |
| Elite Athletes | Please contact marathon@athletics.org.nz to discuss support available for elite athletes. |
Course Details
The Rotorua Marathon is New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic marathon course. Runners take on a complete circuit of Lake Rotorua, starting at Government Gardens and winding through lakeside communities, rolling countryside, and geothermal landscapes. Expect stunning views, strong local support, and a finish line atmosphere like no other as you return to the heart of Rotorua. This is the course that has challenged generations of runners and made legends of them all.
The above map distance is approximate. This course is World Athletics Certified
Be part of the original.
