Rotorua Marathon

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.