Challenge yourself at the Whitianga Run Fest

Saturday 30 May

With three iconic distances to choose from - the signature 21km, 10km or 5km - the Whitianga Run Fest delivers pure Coromandel magic from start to finish. Every course is flat, fast, and scenic, taking you along beautiful coastal pathways, sparkling waterways, and right through the heart of Whitianga. Whether you’re running, walking, chasing a PB, or soaking up the views, it’s all about enjoying the journey at your own pace. Gather your crew and experience one of New Zealand’s most picturesque running events!

21km Challenge

A woman jogging outdoors near a body of water with mountains in the background, wearing athletic gear and earbuds, with overlay text reading '21KM CHALLENGE' and a palm tree icon.

The 21km run/walk starts at the beautiful Buffalo Beach and heads South on the scenic coastal beach pathway towards Whitianga town.  Keeping the water on your left, you head past the Whitianga Marina, then alongside the Whitianga Harbour.  Next up is a tour of the Whitianga Waterways as you aim for the end of South Highway (the old main road into town). 
Heading for home takes you onto a newly developed Whitianga Waterways zone, before joining the 5km course and on to the glory of the finish line at Buffalo Beach.

  • Distance: 21.1km

  • Start time: 9:00am

  • Start location: Buffalo Beach Reserve

  • Aid Stations: Three at approx 5km intervals.

  • Elevation: This course is 99% flat. 

  • Track surface: The track surface is 92% footpath or road and 8% hardpacked trail.

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10km Mission

Runner in a race at a tropical outdoor event with banners and spectators, overlaid with text '10KM MISSION' and a white palm tree graphic.

The 10km run/walk starts at the beautiful Buffalo Beach and heads South on the scenic coastal beach path way towards the Whitianga town.  Keeping the water on your left, you run or walk past the Whitianga Marina, then alongside the Whitianga Harbour. 


After some fun paths and bridges, head home on quiet backroads to the glory of the finish line at Buffalo Beach.

  • Distance: 10km

  • Start time: 10:00am

  • Start location: Buffalo Beach Reserve

  • Aid Stations: One at the halfway mark.

  • Elevation: This course is 99% flat. 

  • Track surface: The track surface is 92% footpath or road and 8% hardpacked trail.

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5km Fun

Children participating in a fun run outdoors with a palm tree graphic and text saying '5KM FUN' overlaid

The 5km run/walk starts at Buffalo Beach and takes you along the coastal beach pathways towards Brophy’s beach.  Under the bridge you go to explore  then head back beside the Taputapuatea river and over the wooden bridge for a lap of the Buffalo beach foreshore before turning for home and the finish line fun. 

  • Distance: 5km

  • Start time: 11.30am

  • Start location: Buffalo Beach Reserve

  • Aid Stations: Water and one full of lollies

  • Elevation: This course is 99% flat. 

  • Track surface: The track surface is 90% footpath or road and 10% hardpacked trail.

Enter Here

Run or walk, it’s your race at your pace