November 20, 2025
Athletics New Zealand is excited to unveil the 2026 Out of Stadia Championships calendar. These championships are a cornerstone of the sport, offering opportunities for athletes of all levels to compete in some of the country’s most iconic locations.
Libby McGee, Athletics NZ’s Participation and Systems Manager, says the calendar showcases the strength of road and cross country running nationwide:
“These events are a highlight for our athletes and communities. Road and cross-country racing are right at the heart of our sport, and it’s fantastic to see these championships hosted right across the motu. With 14 out-of-stadia championship events on the 2026 calendar, it’s going to be another big year ahead.”
Jason Cameron, Head of Rotorua Marathon and Growth Events, adds that the trail, mountain, and ultra-distance races continue to attract a passionate following:
“Trail and ultra running have seen incredible growth in recent years. Events like the 3 Peaks Mountain Race and The Spectacle offer unique challenges and stunning courses.”
2026 Out of Stadia Championships Calendar
NZ 24 Hour Championships – Auckland – 21–22 March 2026
The AUT Millennium Track on Auckland’s North Shore will again host the 24 Hour Championships.
NZ 50km Championships – Rotorua – 7 November 2026
The 50km title will be contested as part of the Legend of the Peaks in Rotorua. Legend of the Peaks is an epic combination of amazing trails, with a festival vibe that includes expo, music, food and good times.
NZ Masters Marathon Championships – Rotorua – 2 May 2026
The 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon will again host the Masters Marathon Championships, featuring its iconic lap around Lake Rotorua. Athletics New Zealand members receive 20% off their entry price to any distance at the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Email [email protected] to receive your discount code.
NZ Mountain Running Championships – Wellington – 18 April 2026
The hills of Wellington will stage the Mountain Running Championships in 2026. The course will be ready as runners around the nation descend on the capital.
NZ Short Trail Championships – Dunedin – 15 March 2026
The 3 Peaks Mountain Race in Dunedin will serve as the Short Trail Championships, navigating demanding hills and technical trails.
NZ Road Mile Championships – Dunedin – 12 September 2026
The day before the Dunedin Marathon, George Street will be lit up by flying milers racing through the central city.
NZ Half Marathon Championships – Christchurch – 12 April 2026
The Christchurch Marathon will host the Half Marathon Championships on their flat, fast course. The 2025 edition of the race saw flying times as perfect conditions fell on the garden city.
NZ Cross Country Championships – Christchurch – 1 August 2026
The 2026 NZ Cross Country Championships will return to Hagley Park for the second year. 2025 saw over 600 athletes take to the brand new course around North Hagley Park, as golden tickets to the 2026 World Cross Country Championships were handed out.
NZ 10km Road Championships – New Plymouth – 29 August 2026
New Plymouth will welcome athletes for the 10km Road Championships.
NZ Marathon Championships – Whanganui – 29 November 2026
The PAK’n SAVE Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon will host the Marathon Championships along the scenic Whanganui River.
NZ Road Relay Championships – Manawatu, Whanganui – 3 October 2026
The beloved NZ Road Relay Championships will return to the Manawatu, Whanganui region again. The exact course location and information are to be confirmed.
NZ 100km Championships – Christchurch – 1 November 2026
Hagley Park will also host the 100km Championships, a true test of endurance.
NZ 5km Championships – Nelson – 5 December 2026
The Spectacle event in Nelson will feature the 5km Championships, bringing high-energy racing to the vibrant city centre.
NZ Long Trail Championships – Nelson – 5 December 2026
The Long Trail Championships will also join the NZ 5km Championships at The Spectacle in Nelson. The Spectacle boasts a stunning and gruelling adventure through the mountains that surround Nelson.
Looking Ahead: Regions for 2027 and 2028 Confirmed
Athletics New Zealand is also pleased to confirm the regions that will host Out of Stadia Championships in 2027 and 2028. This forward planning aims to provide certainty for athletes and their supporters, enabling them to plan more effectively and experience events across different parts of the country.
Cam Mitchell, Athletics NZ Chief Executive, says:
“By announcing the regions for 2027 and 2028, we’re giving athletes and their communities the ability to plan ahead. It also reflects our commitment to spreading our out-of-stadia events around the country, ensuring that runners from all regions have the chance to compete close to home and experience the diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes.”
2027 Out of Stadia Championships
- Auckland – NZ Half Marathon Championships
- Waikato/Bay of Plenty – NZ Cross Country Championships (Hamilton)
- Taranaki – NZ Road Mile Championships
- Manawatū/Wanganui – NZ Masters Marathon Championships
- Tasman – NZ 5km Road Championships, NZ Long Trail Championships, NZ Mountain Running Championships
- Canterbury – NZ 24 Hour Championships (May), NZ Road Relay Championships
- Otago – NZ Marathon Championships
- Southland – NZ 10km Road Championships
2028 Out of Stadia Championships
- Northland – NZ Long Trail Championships
- Auckland – NZ 24 Hour Championships, NZ 5km Road Championships
- Waikato/Bay of Plenty – NZ Marathon Championships (Rotorua), NZ Mountain Running Championships (Mount Maunganui), NZ Road Relay Championships (Taupō)
- Taranaki – NZ 10km Road Championships (Palmerston North)
- Wellington – NZ Cross Country Championships
- Tasman – NZ Road Mile Championships, NZ Short Trail Championships
- Canterbury – NZ Half Marathon Championships, NZ 50km & 100km Championships
- Otago – NZ Masters Marathon Championships
