This year, the iconic event is unveiling exciting new twists to both its courses and event experience.
Since 1965, the Rotorua Marathon has stood as Aotearoa’s most enduring marathon, a World Athletics certified event that has challenged generations of runners. In 2026, it continues this proud legacy while making the event more accessible, inclusive, and unforgettable for runners of all levels.
Back by popular demand, the event will once again feature the celebrated course through Te Puia and the majestic Redwoods Forest, a highlight of the 2025 edition. After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, the route has been refined for 2026 and reintroduced as a 10KM course (shortened slightly from 12KM), giving more participants the chance to step up to a bigger challenge while experiencing one of Rotorua’s most iconic landscapes.
In another first, the 5KM event will debut an all-new lakefront course. A scenic and family-friendly route that’s perfect for those looking to get started on their running journey.
Every distance, from the Full Marathon (42.2KM) and Half Marathon (21.1KM) to the 10KM and 5KM, will finish at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, where a vibrant finish line festival atmosphere will welcome participants, supporters, and the community. Post-race activations, entertainment, and local flavour will bring Rotorua’s spirit to life. The event is once again proudly supported by Red Stag Timber, returning as naming-rights partner for 2026. Their continued backing ensures the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon remains one of New Zealand’s premier running events.
“We’re looking forward to signing up a record number of staff to participate in the 2026 Rotorua Marathon events, one of the benefits of sponsoring such a fantastic event. The last event saw over 50 Red Stag staff complete their chosen distances, and in 2026 we are encouraging immediate family members to join in, supporting whanaungatanga across our team. In conjunction with the organisers of this epic event, the Company also extends manaakitanga and a warm welcome to all visitors, participants, spectators and helpers on the day.” – Red Stag Timber
The 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon welcomed over 7,000 participants, bringing thousands of visitors to Rotorua and generating significant tourism, hospitality, and accommodation activity for the region. The event continues to be one of Rotorua’s largest single-day sporting occasions, drawing athletes from across New Zealand and overseas.
First run in 1965, the Rotorua Marathon holds a special place in New Zealand’s sporting history. It is New Zealand’s original major marathon, offering participants the chance to follow in the footsteps of thousands of runners before them and to “write their name in Aotearoa’s history.”
With World Athletics certification, the Full and Half Marathon courses offer not only a true test of endurance but also the prestige of being internationally recognised. From first-time 5KM runners to seasoned marathoners, the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon is an event where personal goals are achieved, milestones are celebrated, and the power of community shines.
“For over 60 years this event has been the fervent frontier of Kiwi marathoning, and the real benchmark for achieving the classic 42.195km distance. It is the true physical and mental challenge to undertake.” – Jason Cameron, Head of Out Of Stadia Events at Athletics New Zealand.
Entries for the 2026 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon are now open.
Register and learn more here.