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The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon is New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic marathon, featuring a legendary loop around Lake Rotorua.
Course Highlights
The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon is celebrated as one of the most scenic and challenging road races in the Southern Hemisphere. The centerpiece of the event is the legendary “lap of the lake,” a complete 42.195km circuit of Lake Rotorua. Starting at the historic Government Gardens, runners pass through the iconic Prince’s Gate and wind through a mix of urban streets, rolling countryside, and geothermal landscapes. The course offers breathtaking views of the lake’s shimmering waters and the surrounding volcanic hills. One of the unique features of this race is the geothermal activity along the route, with steam vents and sulfur flats providing a surreal backdrop that is uniquely Rotoruan. The final stretch brings runners back into the heart of the city, finishing near the lakefront where a festive atmosphere awaits every finisher.
Race Details
The marathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1 May 2027. The main marathon event typically starts at 08:00 from Queens Drive in the Government Gardens. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter the full marathon, reflecting the physical demands of the undulating course. In addition to the full marathon, the event offers a wide range of distances to suit all abilities, including the Half Marathon, the Go Media 12km (presented by Te Puia), and the EVES 5km. For those looking for something different, the event also features the Runway5 and Runway Mile, unique races held under the stars at Rotorua Airport. The race is World Athletics certified, ensuring a high standard of competition and timing. Aid stations are well-spaced along the course, providing water and electrolyte drinks, and there are facilities for elite athletes to have personalized drink bottles placed at specific intervals.
Why Runners Love It
Known affectionately as “The People’s Marathon,” the Rotorua Marathon has a rich history dating back to 1965, making it New Zealand’s oldest major marathon. Runners love it for its deep-rooted tradition and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering the “lap of the lake.” The community support in Rotorua is second to none, with locals often lining the streets to cheer on participants as they pass through lakeside neighborhoods. The variety of race options makes it a true family affair, allowing runners and walkers of all levels to participate in the weekend’s festivities. Beyond the race, the city of Rotorua offers a wealth of post-race recovery options, from soaking in the world-renowned geothermal hot springs to exploring the Redwood forests. It is more than just a race; it is a rite of passage for New Zealand runners and a bucket-list event for international participants seeking a unique cultural and physical challenge.
Ready to take on the original challenge? Secure your spot for the next edition of this iconic event. For more information and to sign up, visit the official website: Red Stag Rotorua Marathon.
At a Glance
- Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty — New Zealand
- Next Date: 2027-05-01
- Distances: [‘Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’12km’, ‘5km’, ‘Runway5’, ‘Runway Mile’, ‘Kids Mini Marathon’]
- Start Time: 08:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz
The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon is New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic marathon, featuring a legendary loop around Lake Rotorua.
Course Highlights
The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon is celebrated as one of the most scenic and challenging road races in the Southern Hemisphere. The centerpiece of the event is the legendary “lap of the lake,” a complete 42.195km circuit of Lake Rotorua. Starting at the historic Government Gardens, runners pass through the iconic Prince’s Gate and wind through a mix of urban streets, rolling countryside, and geothermal landscapes. The course offers breathtaking views of the lake’s shimmering waters and the surrounding volcanic hills. One of the unique features of this race is the geothermal activity along the route, with steam vents and sulfur flats providing a surreal backdrop that is uniquely Rotoruan. The final stretch brings runners back into the heart of the city, finishing near the lakefront where a festive atmosphere awaits every finisher.
Race Details
The marathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1 May 2027. The main marathon event typically starts at 08:00 from Queens Drive in the Government Gardens. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter the full marathon, reflecting the physical demands of the undulating course. In addition to the full marathon, the event offers a wide range of distances to suit all abilities, including the Half Marathon, the Go Media 12km (presented by Te Puia), and the EVES 5km. For those looking for something different, the event also features the Runway5 and Runway Mile, unique races held under the stars at Rotorua Airport. The race is World Athletics certified, ensuring a high standard of competition and timing. Aid stations are well-spaced along the course, providing water and electrolyte drinks, and there are facilities for elite athletes to have personalized drink bottles placed at specific intervals.
Why Runners Love It
Known affectionately as “The People’s Marathon,” the Rotorua Marathon has a rich history dating back to 1965, making it New Zealand’s oldest major marathon. Runners love it for its deep-rooted tradition and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering the “lap of the lake.” The community support in Rotorua is second to none, with locals often lining the streets to cheer on participants as they pass through lakeside neighborhoods. The variety of race options makes it a true family affair, allowing runners and walkers of all levels to participate in the weekend’s festivities. Beyond the race, the city of Rotorua offers a wealth of post-race recovery options, from soaking in the world-renowned geothermal hot springs to exploring the Redwood forests. It is more than just a race; it is a rite of passage for New Zealand runners and a bucket-list event for international participants seeking a unique cultural and physical challenge.
Ready to take on the original challenge? Secure your spot for the next edition of this iconic event. For more information and to sign up, visit the official website: Red Stag Rotorua Marathon.
At a Glance
- Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty — New Zealand
- Next Date: 2027-05-01
- Distances: [‘Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’12km’, ‘5km’, ‘Runway5’, ‘Runway Mile’, ‘Kids Mini Marathon’]
- Start Time: 08:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz