Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon
The Lowdown
The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon is New Zealand's premier city marathon, run each spring across the iconic isthmus of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. With roots in the 1990s and long-standing local sponsorship by Barfoot & Thompson, the event has grown into a signature autumn/warm-spring road race that draws domestic and international runners seeking a scenic, fast course and a festival-like atmosphere. The race is AIMS-certified and recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it popular with competitive runners chasing time goals as well as first-time marathoners. The route showcases Auckland's waterfront and coastal highlights: runners pass the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, follow the scenic Tamaki Drive with ocean views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island, and include iconic city landmarks and neighbourhoods en route. The course crosses the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and finishes at Victoria Park in Auckland's CBD, offering lively crowd support, music stations, and plenty of local cheer that help propel runners in the final kilometres. Expect cool, crisp spring conditions, strong event organization, and a festive post-race atmosphere with food, entertainment, and city views that make the Auckland Marathon a memorable experience.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Auckland Domain & Auckland War Memorial Museum
Historic parkland and the iconic museum overlooking the city, early km of the course pass alongside its tree-lined avenues
Grafton Bridge
Art Deco bridge offering a scenic elevated crossing and city views as runners move out of the inner city
Parnell Village
Charming historic neighborhood with boutique shops and cafes; runners pass through its streets and alongside elegant terraces
Tamaki Drive Waterfront
Long coastal boulevard running along the Waitematā Harbour, providing expansive sea views and flat, fast running sections
Mission Bay & Selwyn Reserve
Popular beachside suburb with wide promenades and cheering crowds, a highlight on the eastern seaside stretch
St Heliers Beach
Scenic seaside turnaround point with sandy beaches and views of Rangitoto Island in the distance
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Iconic crossing featured on the marathon and half marathon course route
Victoria Park
Finish line location in Auckland's CBD with lively atmosphere and post-race festivities
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Auckland, New Zealand
NZ
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- No wheeled conveyances (cycles, roller blades, prams, etc.)
- No accompanying animals
- Participants must be 18 years or older on race day for marathon and half marathon distances
Required Documents
- ID
- Registration confirmation QR code for Athlete Check-in
Entry Methods
- Online registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Entry transfers to another registered runner allowed until 30 days before race (administration fee NZ$20)
Deferred entry to the next year's Auckland Marathon allowed if requested at least 30 days before race (administration fee NZ$20)
Medical deferral available up to race day with a valid medical certificate (no administration fee)
The race finishes at Victoria Park in Auckland's CBD, confirmed from official event listing on aucklandnz.com.
The 2026 event celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Auckland Marathon.
Organiser: IRONMAN. Title sponsor: Barfoot & Thompson. Presenting sponsor: ASICS. United Airlines sponsors the 5km; Garmin sponsors the Half Marathon.
The full event name is 'Barfoot & Thompson Runaway Auckland Marathon presented by ASICS' — 'Runaway' is a new sub-brand identity for the 2026 cycle. Slug remains stable as Barfoot & Thompson title sponsorship is unchanged.
Organisers provide a technical finisher shirt and custom medal, plus post-race food and a beer garden for participants and supporters.
The weekend includes a race expo with bib collection, community fun run/kids' dashes, and a pre-race information session; chip timing is used for all distances.
The course features long stretches along scenic coastal roads and waterfront promenades with several rolling sections; runners should prepare for wind exposure on exposed harbour sections.
Runners are advised to use public transport or park early due to extensive road closures, and there are well-spaced aid stations (roughly every 3–4 km), medical points and bag drop services along the route.
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.