frequently asked questions

Experience the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon like never before!

With a refreshed start and a stunning new finish line right beside the Novotel, the Full 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 Runway Mile option.

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of running

Yes, we do offer group discounts for large groups from one organisation or business. Please contact us at marathon@athletics.org.nz for more information.

Yes there is a time limit for the full marathon.

In the Full Marathon competitors need to be at the 23.5km mark (Ramada Resort) by 1:00pm, otherwise there will be a minivan for those that don’t make the cut off and they will be taken to the finish line. Those crossing the finish line after this time will be deemed not to have finished and will not be eligible for the finisher's medal (full marathon only).

Yes., to receive any of the below discounts they need to email marathon@athletics.org.nz to receive a promo code:

• Survivors Club – 20%

• Athletics New Zealand Members – 20%

• Students – 15% (with valid ID)

• Seniors (aged 65+) – 15% (with valid ID showing proof of age)

Note: Student ID must be brought to race bib pick-up at Registration.

Drop off only is available at the main Te Puia entrance. There is carparking available in the southern Te Puia carpark accessible from the Hemo Roundabout. | A user pays bus service will be operated from outside the iSite on Fenton Street to Te Puia from 7.00am until 7.45am. The cost is $7.50 which includes bag drop at Te Puia and return to the finish area for collection by the participant. Note: bag drop only available to participants who have purchased a bus ticket.

The minimum age for the Runway Mile and Runway5 is 10 years of age. The minimum age for the GoMedia 12km is 14 years of age. The minimum age for the NZCT Half Marathon is 16 years of age and the minimum age for the Full Marathon is 18 years of age.

All ages are taken on the day of the event except for the 5km New Zealand Championship (held within the Runway 5), for this event the age is as of 31 December 2025 for 34 years & under. Masters ages are taken from the day of the event.

Yes, entries can be transferred to another distance up until 11.59am, Tuesday 29 April 2025. Transfers will incur a $20 (including GST) fee. To transfer your entry, login into your Race Roster portal here, select ‘Transfer’ on the right of the page, then ‘Transfer to a new sub-event’ and follow the steps. Any additional fees (e.g. if you are transferring to a longer distance event) will need to be paid to complete the transfer.  

Yes, you can transfer your entry to another person, but only within the same sub-event (e.g. half marathon to half marathon). Transfers will incur a $20 (including GST) fee. To transfer your entry, login into your Race Roster portal here, select ‘Transfer’ on the right of the page, then ‘Transfer to a new participant’ and follow the steps. You will be required to pay for the transfer fee and then the new participant will receive an email with a link to complete their registration. 

Walkers are welcome in all events however please note that the results will not be split out into runners and walkers for the 2025 event. 

Depending on entries, there may be restrictions in some events, depending on the holding capacity and popularity of the specific event.

Best to get in quick to avoid disappointment!

We will be dynamically allocating bibs onsite when you collect your event pack. This means that you won’t know your bib number in advance. The reason for this is that it reduces waste and is a more efficient process, therefore reducing the time that you spend waiting in line when collecting your event pack.

Survivors club members that register before 31 March 2025 will receive an allocated number, with their name printed on it.

Drinks stations are shown on the course maps for the Full Marathon, NZCT Half Marathon, and Go Media 12km. The maps show which drink stations will have water only and those that will have water and electrolyte drink from our Official Hydration Partner R-Line. For the 5km, Flying 1kmm Mile, and Runway5 a drink station will be located at the finish line area.

From Event Registration either on Friday 2nd May (9:00am-8pm) at the Novotel Rotorua, or on the morning of Saturday 3rd May from 6:00am from the same venue.

Further information can be found here.

No pets allowed at all times.

All entrants will receive a complimentary drawstring bag with their entry. This can be collected at Registration alongside your race bib.

Participants in the 5km, Go Media 12km, NZCT Half Marathon, and Full Marathon distances will receive a finishers medal.

Yes, there is the Go Media 12km Teams Event - with prizes for the best dressed team and the winning team! Gather a team of 5 runners and walkers for the 12km distance, and only pay for 4 team members.

Once 4 members have successfully registered under the same team name, please email marathon@athletics.org.nz and you will be provided with a promo code to enter your 5th team member for free. 

Yes, the Full Marathon course is currently certified at 42.195km by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics (WA).

The Runway5 course is also certified.

The full marathon only provides for personal drinks. Drink bottles must be delivered to the team at registration before 8:00pm on Friday 2nd May. Bottles must be clearly labelled with name, race number and station.

Personalised bottles will be the first table at the following stations - No3 9.3km, No6 19.5km, No8 27.8km, No11 37.0km.

Prams and buggies are not allowed on any of the courses (however spectators are welcome to bring prams/strollers).

The Runway5 is an accessible course. For any questions, email us at marathon@athletics.org.nz

All competitors entered in the 5km, Go Media 12km, half marathon, or full marathon need to be present at Prize Giving to win a spot prizes if their number is drawn and name announced.

Yes, you will need to be a member of an affiliated Athletics New Zealand club to receive a finishing place in the New Zealand 5km Championships. 

Yes, you will need to be a competitive member of an affiliated Athletics New Zealand club to receive a finishing place in the New Zealand Masters Marathon Championships. 

Event pack collection will be held at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside at the dates and times below. You are asked to select the time you plan to collect your event pack during registration. This is to assist the event organisers with planning, however you can attend at any of the times listed below. 

As the NZCT Half Marathon participants need to catch a bus to the start line, there is not enough to time to collect your event pack and get to the bus departure point in time. 

Yes, Runway Mile and Runway5 participants can collect their event pack during any of the available collection times at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside or Rotorua Airport.