Red Stag
Marathon
For the first time in over 50 years, the marathon will run anti-clockwise around Lake Rotorua. Secure your super early bird price now!
Test your endurance and take on New Zealand’s most iconic Marathon course, a lap of Lake Rotorua.
The change returns the event to its original direction from when the race first began in 1965, allowing us to bring you closer to the water, with more scenic lake views, and quieter roads around the course.
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 around the event village outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
A New Take on the Lake!
Race Details
| Date | Saturday 1st May 2027 |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | View All Entry Fees |
| Distance | 42.195km |
| Start Time | Coming Soon |
| Start Line | Coming Soon |
| Finish Line | Novotel Rotorua Lakeside |
| Minimum Age | Full marathon entrants must be 18 years or older on race day to compete. |
| Time Limit | Coming Soon |
| 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 | Coming Soon |
| Awards Age Groups | Male & Female 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ | Walkers | We welcome walkers to participate in all events. The official results will be recorded with all participants recognised as participants. There are no merit results or awards for walking. |
| Elite Athletes | Please contact marathon@athletics.org.nz to discuss support available for elite athletes. |
Course Details
Meet the 2027 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon course!
We’re flipping the script and running in reverse, for the first time in over 50 years.
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 around the event village outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
The 2027 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon course is measured and certified by World Athletics. Note that the above maps may show a slightly different distance.
Run. Relax. Reconnect.
