Saturday 3rd may 2025
nzct half marathon (21km)
NZCT half marathon
Standard pricing ends 31 March. Get your entry in March and save!
Get set for an unforgettable running adventure at the NZCT Half Marathon—a celebration of Rotorua’s natural wonders, vibrant culture, and pure running exhilaration. This year’s course offers a fresh new look, kicking off at the breathtaking Okere Falls and winding alongside the shimmering shores of Lake Rotoiti. With panoramic vistas and a lakeside finish at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, you’ll be treated to an epic photo finish you’ll never forget.
Spectacular Course Highlights
Start at Okere Falls: Launch into action amid lush greenery and tumbling waters, setting the tone for a truly scenic run.
Lake Rotoiti Views: Experience awe-inspiring lakefront stretches that will keep your spirits high and your camera snapping from start to finish.
Lakeside Finish: Cross the finish line at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, greeted by cheering crowds, stunning views, and a well-earned sense of triumph.
Run with Confidence
Plenty of Hydration Stations: Stay energised throughout your journey with regular water stops, ensuring you’re well-hydrated every step of the way.
Community Celebration: Be swept up in the festive atmosphere of NZ’s oldest marathon event weekend, complete with live music, entertainment, and endless support from the crowd.
More Than Just a Race
While the NZCT Half Marathon is a major highlight, the Rotorua Marathon weekend has something for everyone—runners of all ages and abilities can get involved in a range of other exciting events. It’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about embracing the spirit of Rotorua and discovering the pure joy of running together.
NZCT half marathon
key info
| Date | Saturday 3rd May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | From $109 including event transport & processing fee - View All Entry Fees |
| Distance | 21.0975km |
| Start Time - Runners | 7.45am PLEASE NOTE: All Half Marathon participants must register & collect their event bib on Thursday or Friday. There is no Half Marathon registration available on Saturday morning of event day. |
| Start Time - Walkers | 7.45am |
| Start & Finish Line | This point-to-point course will start at Whangamarino School near Okere Falls, travelling along State Highway 33 back to the finish line on lower Tutanekai Street. For logistical reasons event transport to the half marathon start is included in the entry for all half marathon participants and we strongly encourage participants to use this service. Prior to the start there will be a special kapa haka performance by the Whangamarino School pupils along with other entertainment and access for participants to toilet amenities, portaloos, water, electrolyte, and the drop bag service.. Prior to the start there will be a special Kapa Haka performance by the Whangamarino School pupils along with other entertainment and access for participants to toilet amenities, water, and the drop bag service. |
| Transportation | 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) within 5min walk from the Rotorua Energy Events Centre. Buses start departing from 6:15am to 7:00am (last departure) to Whangamarino School, a journey of approximately 20mins. 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. |
| Bag Drop | There will be a drop bag service for all Half Marathon participants to bring any individual gear back to the finish area for individual collection at the finish of your run or walk. |
| Minimum Age | Half Marathon entrants must be 16 years or older on race day to compete. |
| Time Limit | Official event timing will cease at 5:00pm. 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. |
| Prizegiving | The prize giving for the Half Marathon will take place at 1.00pm on the Lakefront Reserve across the street from the Novotel Rotorua. Major spot prizes for the Half Marathon event will be randomly drawn from all event entrants at prize giving. You must be present to collect your prize. Merit and age group awards for the Half Marathon event will also be given out. | Walkers | Walkers are welcome to enter the Half Marathon. For clarity, walkers are included in the overall event results. Please adhere to all course cut off times and ensure walkers start at the back behind the runners and keep to the 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. |
NZCT half marathon
Course Detail
Additional Course Detail
From Whangamarino School, Okere Falls next to the glistening waters of Lake Rotoiti here’s your grand opportunity to share the hallowed ground of the second half of the marathon course. Feel the spirit as you make your way back to Rotorua over the infamous Mourea Hill, surely Aotearoa’s Boston Marathon equivalent of Heartbreak Hill.
Take on this enchanting challenge and get inspired to take on the ultimate – the full loop of the lake….next time.
Half Marathon elevation
PACE RUNNERS
There will be pace groups to help you achieve your goal time in both the full and half marathon.
Pacers are there to maintain a consistent pace with the aim of finishing just under your target time.
More about Pace Groups or find out
how to become a Pace Runner.
WALKERS
All walkers are welcome, which includes recreational, competitive, and Nordic walkers.
Find out more about Half Marathon
walking.
