Race Day

It’s the big day! Here's your essential guide to ensure you have a successful and safe experience.

Experience the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon like never before! With a refreshed start and a stunning new finish line right beside the Novotel, the marathon offers an unforgettable journey through Rotorua's scenic beauty. The NZCT Half Marathon now follows part of the full marathon’s route, while the Go Media 12km (formerly 10km) introduces an all-new course starting at Te Puia, where participants will walk or run through the iconic Pohutu Geyser and finish at the Rotorua lakefront. The 5km also unveils a brand-new route, taking runners through the breathtaking sulphur flats. And for a magical ending, the Runway5 lights up the Rotorua Airport runway under the stars, with exciting new Mile option. Join us for an extraordinary celebration of running!

Event Start 7:45am NZCT Half Marathon Whangamarino School

Event Start From 8.00am Full Marathon Government Gardens

Event Start From 8.15am Go Media 12km presented by Te Puia Te Puia, 20 Hemo Road

Event Start 8.20am 5km Government Gardens

Event Start from 6.30pm Runway5 Under the Stars Rotorua Airport

PRE-RACE INFO

Here’s the pre-race info for entrants ahead of the 2025 race weekend:

Pin your race bib to your shirt's front. Ensure it has your correct race details and is the correct distance.
Also, complete the info on the back in case of medical assistance needs. Stay safe out there!
Your bib number comes equipped with a timing transponder. Start under the start banner and finish at the finish line for accurate timing.
Official rankings use gun time, but your start and finish times are also recorded.
Our venue, the Novotel Rotorua, has excellent facilities, including restrooms, and a changing area. Don't forget to take your belongings with you. There are also toilets along the course if needed. We've got your comfort in mind!
A gear bag service will be provided for all Red Stag Rotorua Marathon events.
A personalised gear bag sticker will be provided to all competitors with their individual event number when they attend event registration.
ONE gear bag per entrant can be placed on the gear bag truck (when announced to do so) at the start areas for each event.
Only gear bags will be accepted, not individual clothing items, drink bottles etc.
All gear bags will be taken back to the Matariki Concert Venue (opposite the Novotel Rotorua and next to finish line) to be uplifted by competitors at the conclusion of their event on the day. Gear collection will close at 5pm on event day. Any bags not collected will be taken to Rotorua Marathon storage and held for one month before being disposed of. Any requests to send gear bags out will incur handling and courier fees prior to being sent out.
Bus transportation is included for ALL participants with their Half Marathon entry. Buses will take participants from the outside the Rotorua iSite on Fenton St (which will be open with amenities including the Junction Cafe) .
Buses start departing from 6:00am to 7:00am (last departure) to Whangamarino School, a journey of approximately 15mins. For logistical and safety reasons, there will be NO personal drop-offs permitted for participants. Participants must use the event transport provided within their entry.
On Friday, use the street parking on Lower Tutanekai St
Keep in mind, town parking is metered and traffic wardens will be around.
Medical support by Peak Safety EMT will be at the finish area.
To ensure your comfort after the event, have warm clothes ready for you after you finish. Consider having family or friends assist you after the event.
For the Full Marathon and NZCT Half Marathon each kilometre will be signposted and will indicate the distance travelled.
Official event timing will cease at 5.00pm Saturday evening (Not including the Flying 1km, Mile, & Runway5
We strongly advise event supporters against following the event by any means of transportation, including bikes.
Course vehicles will be available to assist entrants who may be unable to complete their event, ensuring their safe return to the finish area.
Results will be posted online within 24 hours.
Check out more prizegiving information here

Our events are run under the competition rules of Athletics New Zealand

Stick to the right-hand side of the road, except for the final stretch, and within the final stretch. Failure to do so may result in disqualification, especially in winding or narrow sections.
Although some sections of the road are closed, local residents may access their properties. Remember, you're a pedestrian and participate at your own risk. Don't assume right of way or that there's no traffic.
Always stay inside the line of any road cones on the course. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification. Walkers, please stay no more than two abreast to avoid blocking runners or causing hazards. Follow instructions from Police, Event Officials, and Marshals.
If you expect to finish after 7 hours, carry your own drinks or have support available towards the end of the course.
Baby buggies, scooters, and similar devices (including wheelchairs with the exception of Runway5) are not allowed.
Pets are also not permitted.
For the safety of all participants, headphones, earphones, or any hearing-impairing devices are not permitted due to varying road closure conditions.

Typically, pace groups have two Pacers:

A: Leads the group and sets the pace.
B: Follows at the back and acts as a backup Pacer if needed.

Your friendly Pacer will keep you motivated and share their marathon wisdom, especially during those challenging final kilometres.

With their extensive marathon experience, they understand the highs and lows of the race.

Running with a pace group offers multiple benefits:

Maintaining a steady pace is crucial in a marathon - too fast early on can be costly, and too slow might mean missing your target time.
Plus, running with a group provides valuable companionship that helps the miles fly by.

You'll easily spot your Pacer with colourful balloons and a bib displaying the target time on the back. Just head to the start chute sign with your desired time. Feel free to join a group at any point during the race.

Rotorua Marathon - Highlights.00_24_00_12.Still011.jpg — Are you an experienced marathon runner?

Rotorua Marathon - Highlights.00_24_06_15.Still012.jpg — Can you run at a consistent pace?

If you've entered the walking section for the Full Marathon you're in the race for trophies and merit prizes. Trophies will be given to the fastest male and female walkers.

We trust in the integrity of our entrants to genuinely walk the entire event. Please honour the spirit of the event and follow the walking criteria. If a walking competitor is observed running, they will be reclassified as a runner in the results.

If you think you might want to run or jog, please register as a runner.