Whitianga Run Fest 2026

Flat, Fast and Scenic

Saturday 30 May

If you’re chasing a flat, fast, and seriously scenic run with Coromandel views at every turn, you’re in the right place.

Our 2026 single-lap, waterside courses deliver the full Whitianga experience - smooth coastal paths, marina and harbour views, and that unbeatable seaside energy. With distances from a cruisy 5km to the iconic Half Marathon, there’s something for every runner, walker, and PB hunter.

And the best part? We’re bringing back our original crowd-favourite courses.

A woman jogging outdoors by a lake with mountains in the background, wearing athletic gear and listening to earbuds. Overlaid text reads '21KM CHALLENGE' with a palm tree icon.

Explore Whitianga like never before with a coastal 21km journey through beaches, the marina, the harbour, and the iconic Waterways.

Discover the full route and get excited for every step.

Learn More
A man running in a 10km race wearing headphones, sunglasses, and a white t-shirt, with spectators watching behind barriers, and a palm tree graphic with text overlay reading '10KM MISSION'.

This scenic 10km loop delivers beachside beauty, marina views, and harbour pathways before cruising home to Buffalo Beach.

See the full course details and get excited for race day.

Learn More
Children running in a race with a tropical theme, including a palm tree graphic and the text '5KM FUN' on the overlay.

Enjoy a smooth 5km of beachside pathways, river views, and a loop of the Buffalo Beach foreshore before heading home to the finish line.

Explore the full course and get ready for good vibes.

Learn More



STUNNING COASTAL COURSE

Your journey will take you along some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines in New Zealand. You’ll enjoy epic views of the world renowned Mercury Bay, Whitianga estuary and Whitianga Waterways.

A woman jogging near a lake with boats and mountains in the background, wearing a white tank top, navy shorts, a white visor, and wireless earbuds.


IT’S YOUR RACE
AT YOUR PACE

We encourage both walkers and runners, and those who do a bit of both.

Two women running in a race, smiling and celebrating near the finish line with a crowd of spectators behind a red barrier.





SINGLE LAP COURSES

There’s a new view around every corner.  Every course is a single lap, flat, with a good running surface and accurately measured.

Person running outdoors near a marina, wearing sunglasses, a visor, and athletic clothing.






CELEBRATE

We know the effort it takes to run or walk these distances, so all runners and walkers will receive a fantastic finishers medal to commemorate the big day out. 

Two women celebrating at a race event, one holding a medal and both wearing medals around their necks, outdoors in sunny weather.




COROMANDEL KIDS RUN FREE

Thanks to G.J. Gardner Homes Coromandel, all Coromandel school kids run for FREE! Inspiring the next generation to get moving.

Two young girls participating in an outdoor race, with the older girl smiling as she runs and carrying a water bottle, and the younger girl smiling in the background. Spectators are visible behind a barrier with advertisements.







UNWIND IN WHITIANGA

The host town of Whitianga is an idyllic and relaxing location with top notch accommodation, restaurants and recreational activities.

Two hands holding beer bottles in a toast during sunset.

Official Event Merch

Two blue T-shirts with white design featuring a palm tree, waves, and the text 'Whitiana Run Fest 2026' hang outdoors near a lake with trees, houses, and boats in the background.

Our 2026 Whitianga Run Fest merch has landed!
Designed with fresh coastal vibes and that signature Run Fest energy, these tees bring comfort, style, and event pride all in one.
Grab yours now… once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Grab yours here
Group of women running in a race, holding hands and celebrating on a grassy field, wearing athletic clothes and numbered bibs.
A young boy wearing a blue plastic raincoat with a hood stands in front of a woman dressed as a whale, who is playfully making a surprised face at him. They are at an outdoor event with a blue sky and other people in the background, with a race bib s
Four women dressed in black with red crab hats and sunglasses running in a race, with a person on the side cheering. The background shows a blue sky with clouds and a race banner.
A woman jogging outdoors near a lake with mountains in the background, wearing black athletic clothing, colorful socks, and a pink headband.
Two women running outdoors along a scenic coastal trail, smiling and celebrating, wearing athletic clothing and race bibs, with water and hills in the background.
Two runners, a woman and a man, smiling and waving as they finish a race on a grassy course, with colorful banners and tall palm trees in the background.
G.J. Gardner Homes logo in black and red text on a white background.
Blue logo with the letters U and D, with an upward arrow integrated into the design, and the words 'Ultimate Direction' beneath.
Black and white logo for Topo Athletic with a stylized crescent moon and wave design on the left and the words "topo athletic" in bold lowercase font below.
https://www.ippnzshop.co.nz/
Logo of Injinji Performance Toesocks with a red square containing a white stylized mountain and water symbol, and the brand name in black text.
Lorna Jane logo with black text, three stylized parallelogram shapes above the brand name, and the tagline "Active Living" below.