Challenge yourself at the Whitianga Run Fest
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
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 5km intervals.
Elevation: This course is 99% flat.
Track surface: The track surface is 90% footpath or road and 10% hardpacked trail. roadside
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 90% footpath or road and 10% hardpacked trail. roadside.
10km Mission
5km Fun
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 50% hard packed trail and 50% footpath or roadside.