All-New 5km Course – Small Distance, Huge Adventure!
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Discover the All-New 5km Course
Standard pricing ends 31 March. Get your entry in March and save!
This year, you can experience the Rotorua Marathon excitement over a shorter, more approachable distance—our brand-new 5km course. Starting in the historic Government Gardens and weaving around the steaming shores of Lake Rotorua, you’ll wind through a section of the world-famous Sulphur Flats before joining the main marathon route. Your journey finishes in style on Lower Tutanekai Street, with the lively city vibe welcoming you across the line. Whether you’re a beginner runner, a family of adventurers, or a fundraising team, this 5km is your ticket to an unforgettable Rotorua experience—steeped in nature, history, and a whole lot of fun!
Join your friends and family for a charming traverse of a small selection of Rotorua city’s delights.
5km
key Event inf0
| Date | Saturday 3rd May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | From $34 including booking fee - View All Entry Fees |
| Distance | 5km |
| Start Time | 8:20am |
| Start Line | Finish Line | Queens Drive, Government Gardens | Lower Tutanekai St, Lakefront |
| Minimum Age | Entrants must be 10 years or older on race day to compete. |
| Prizegiving | The prize giving for the 5km will take place at 12.00pm on the Lakefront Reserve across the street from the Novotel Rotorua. Some spot prizes for the 5km event will be randomly drawn from all event entrants at prize giving. You must be present to collect your prize. |
| Walkers | Walkers are welcome to enter the event. For clarity, walkers are included in the overall event results. Walkers should keep left at all times. |
| Merchandise | Pre-order your merchandise by 9th March 2025 to ensure you get your preferred size, style and colour. Choose between delivery before the event or pick up at the event. Once pre-sales close, production will begin, and orders will be shipped out in April. There will be a limited amount of stock available on the event weekend. Shop merchandise here. |
Join The Festivities
Event Highlights
Event Highlights
New Look, Same Rotorua Magic: Revel in a fresh route that showcases historic architecture, geothermal marvels, and the legendary energy of Aotearoa’s oldest marathon weekend.
Charming Scenery: Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Government Gardens before taking in the unique sights and smells of Rotorua’s geothermal edges at Sulphur Flats.
City-Filled Finish: Cross the line to cheering crowds and a buzzing atmosphere near Lake Rotorua—perfect for that epic photo finish.
Family & Fundraising Fun: A friendly 5km distance is ideal for groups, newbies, and anyone looking to enjoy a more relaxed but still thrilling challenge.
