Rotorua Marathon
The Lowdown
The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon is New Zealand's oldest and most iconic marathon, run continuously since 1965 as a rite of passage for Kiwi distance runners. The World Athletics-certified marathon course completes a full circuit of Lake Rotorua, starting at Government Gardens and finishing beside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, winding through lakeside communities, rolling countryside, and the region's distinctive geothermal landscapes near the Redwoods and Te Puia. Organized by Athletics New Zealand, the event has grown into a full race weekend featuring the marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, a Marae to Marae relay, and a kids' mini marathon, drawing runners of all levels to the shores of Lake Rotorua each autumn.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Lake Rotorua
Government Gardens (marathon start)
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (marathon finish)
Te Puia geothermal area
The Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest)
Okere Falls / Lake Rotoiti (half marathon start)
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
NZ
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day for the marathon
Required Documents
- Photo ID
Entry Methods
- Online registration via rotoruamarathon.co.nz
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the official terms and conditions on rotoruamarathon.co.nz before registering
New Zealand's oldest continuously run marathon, dating to 1965.
World Athletics certified marathon course.
Full circuit of Lake Rotorua passing through geothermal landscapes near Te Puia and the Redwoods.
Event also includes a Marae to Marae relay and a Friday kids' mini marathon on the lakefront.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
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