My Next Challenge helps you find your next running event in New Zealand. Whether you are looking for a fun run for the family, your next marathon or half marathon, ultra-distance run, trail run, bucket list runs through vineyards, along beaches or up mountains, challenge yourself, be inspired and get active!


54 Run events
The Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra
image descriptionRiverhead Forest Auckland

Taking Place on the 23rd of March 2024, The Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra is a last person standing format event where participants run one 6. 7km lap an hour until the last person is standing.  

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Lovelock Memorial Fun Run
image descriptionSchool Park, Quarry Road, Timaru Canterbury

The Lovelock Memorial Fun Run will take place on the 23rd of March 2024. The Lovelock Memorial Fun Run offers a half marathon, 10km and 5km run or walk through Centennial Park Scenic Reserve in Timaru. All the courses start and finish at School Park on Quarry Rd.

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Northburn 100
image descriptionNorthburn Otago

The Northburn 100 is returning in 2024 on the 23-24th of March.  

The event offers a 100 miler, 100km and 50km ultra distance runs as well as a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and a kids race. The 100 miler (161km) includes approximately 10,000m of elevation and descent.

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Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon
image descriptionMt Maunganui Bay of Plenty

The Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon, is due to take place on the 23rd of March 2024. The Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon is a community-focused fun run/walk which traverses one of the Bay Of Plenty's most iconic natural attractions, Mauao (Mt Maunganui).

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The Dual, Motutapu-Rangitoto Traverse
image descriptionRangitoto Island Auckland

The Dual Mototapu-Rangitoto Traverse is back and due to take place on the 6th of April 2024. If this has been on your bucket list, time to get involved as 2024 will be the last running of the event.

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Mt Oxford Odyssey 2024
image descriptionMt Oxford Canterbury

Mt Oxford Odyssey will take place on the 6th of April 2024.  

Mt Oxford Odyssey offers a 15km Trail Run or Tramp, a 21km Half Marathon Run or Tramp over the mountain, a 33km Mountain Challenge, or the 50km Mountain Ultramarathon.

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Waterfront Half Marathon 2024
image descriptionMission Bay Auckland

The Waterfront Half Marathon will take place on the 7th of April 2024.  

The Waterfront Half Marathon held in Mission Bay, Auckland is the final event in the Auckland Half Marathon Series.

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Routeburn Classic 2024
image descriptionThe Divide, Fiordland Southland

The Routeburn Classic is an iconic ‘adventure run’ along New Zealand’s renowned Routeburn Track. This exclusive event, limited to 400 athletes, takes place annually in late April.

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Christchurch Marathon 2024
image descriptionChristchurch Canterbury

The Christchurch Marathon will return on the 21st of April 2024.  

Inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games marathon, the Christchurch Marathon has been the South Island’s premier marathon event since 1981. The Christchurch Marathon is renowned as one of the fastest courses in the world.

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Old Forest Hanmer 100
image descriptionHanmer Springs Canterbury

The Old Forest Hanmer 100 will return on the 26-27th of April 2024.  A fully achievable forest trail ultra-run, great for those wanting to try off road ultra's or step up to new distances for the first time but still enough to keep the old hands occupied.

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Hanmer 4 Square Half Marathon 2024
image descriptionHanmer Springs Canterbury

The Hanmer Half Marathon will return on the 4th of May 2024. The Hanmer Half Marathon takes competitors on a unique journey through Hanmer Forest amongst amazing mountain scenery. This is a great pre race for the Christchurch Marathon. Distance options include the Half Marathon, 10km and 5km.

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We Run the Night 2024
image descriptionMount Maunganui Bay of Plenty

We Run the Night will return in 2024 on the 4th of May at Mount Maunganui. Choose from 5km, 10km and half marathon distances. Runners are encouraged to wear their own bright lights, to dress up and run the night along Mount Maunganui's iconic Marine Parade.

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The Rotorua Marathon 2024
image descriptionRotorua Bay of Plenty

Australasia's oldest marathon event, the Rotorua Marathon will take place on the 4th of May 2024. The event offers a Marathon, Half Marathon as well as a 10km and 5. 5km run or walk.

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T42
image descriptionTongariro National Park Manawatu-Whanganui

The T42 will take place on the 4th of May 2024. The iconic event takes place in beautiful Tongariro National Park and offers trail run and walking options as well as a mountain bike or eBike off-road adventure.

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South Island Ultra Marathon
image descriptionHokitika West Coast

The South Island Ultra Marathon will be held on the 11th of May 2024 on the West Coast Wilderness Trail on the West Coast of the South Island.

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Saint Clair Vineyard Half
image descriptionWairau Valley Nelson Marlborough Tasman

The Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon will take place on the 11th of May 2024. The Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon takes place amoungst the vineyards in the gorgeous Marlborough region in New Zealand. The event offers a 12km and Half Marathon to both runners and walkers.

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Manawatu Striders Marathon and Half Marathon 2024
image descriptionMassey University, Palmerston North Manawatu-Whanganui

The Manawatu Striders Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on the 12th of May 2024. The event offers a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km as well as a Kids MaraFun Race which has two distances available.

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WhyWomenRun Women's Event 2024
image descriptionAuckland Domain Grandstand Auckland

WhyWomenRun provides an event that encourages women of all ages, all walks of life and with varying levels of fitness, to enjoy the experience of completing a 5km or 10km race in a friendly, non-confrontational environment.

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Asics Runaway Hawke's Bay Marathon 2024
image descriptionNapier Hawkes Bay

The Asics Hawke's Bay Marathon will take place on the 18th of May 2024. Distances on offer include a marathon, half marathon, 10km and kids run.

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Huntly Half Marathon 2024
image descriptionHuntly Waikato

The Huntly Half Marathon will take place on the 19th of May 2024. The event includes a half marathon, 10km, 5km as well as a 2km kids run. All distances can be run or walked.

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Run Auckland Series - Race 1
image descriptionAmbury Park, Mangere Auckland

The Run Auckland is a series of 6 running events hosted at purpose-picked locations around Auckland to offer all types of runners a challenge. Race 1 in the series will take place on the 26th of May 2024 at Ambury Park.

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Possum Night Trail Run
image descriptionNew Zealand

The Possum Night Trail Run will take place on the 15th of June 2024. Grab your headtorch and run or walk 5km, 12km or 21km through the dark. The 2024 event location is TBC.  

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Run Auckland Series - Race 2
image descriptionOnepoto Domain Auckland

The Run Auckland is a series of 6 running events hosted at purpose-picked locations around Auckland to offer all types of runners a challenge. Race 2 in the series will take place on the 16th of June 2024 at Waiatarua Reserve. Distances include 10km, 5km and a kids dash.

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Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series - Race 4
image descriptionThe Domain Auckland

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is a series of eight running and walking events that take place in the Auckland Domain and War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill. Race Four of the series will take place on the 23rd of June in the Domain. The course is a 1.

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Wellington Marathon 2024
image descriptionWestpac Stadium Wellington

The Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon has been the Capital City’s favourite footrace for more than 30 years.

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Gazley Volkwagen Wellington Marathon 2024
image descriptionSky Stadium Wellington

The Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon has been the Capital City’s favourite footrace for more than 35 years.

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Krayzie K's
image descriptionOrton Bradley Park, Christchurch Canterbury

The Krayzie K's will take place on the 29th and of June 2024. The event is a trail running event with distances available for anyone of any age and athletic ability. You will meander alongside streams and climb steep gullies through open farmland and stunning native bush.

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Run Auckland Series - Race 3
image descriptionHenderson Park Auckland

The Run Auckland is a series of 6 running events hosted at purpose-picked locations around Auckland to offer all types of runners a challenge. Race 3 in the series will take place on the 7th of July 2024 at Sanders Reserve. Distances include 10km, 5km and a kids dash.

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The Wuu-2k Trail Marathon, and Ultra-Marathon
image descriptionWellington

The WUU2K will take place on the 13th of July 2024. The WUU2K or 'Wellington Urban Ultra 2K', is a trail-running endurance event around the hills that surround New Zealand's capital city. The event offers a 21km, 43km and 65km Ultra Marathon.

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Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 5
image descriptionThe Domain Auckland

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is a series of eight running and walking events that take place in the Domain and War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill. Race Five of the series will take place at the Domain on the 14th of July. The course is a 1.

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Mackenzie Half Marathon 2024
image descriptionFairlie, Mackenzie Canterbury

The Mackenzie Half Marathon will take place on the 20th of July 2024.  The event offers a half marathon, 10km, a 5. 5km, and 2. 5km fun run for kids and grandparents. The course includes river walkway tracks, river crossings and views that will take your breath away.

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Run Auckland Series - Race 4
image descriptionWestern Springs Auckland

The Run Auckland is a series of 6 running events hosted at purpose-picked locations around Auckland to offer all types of runners a challenge. Race 4 in the series will take place on the 28th of July 2024 at Western Springs. Distances include 10km, 5km and a kids dash.

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Run The Forest
image descriptionRotorua Bay of Plenty

Run The Forest is the only reason you need to get up and get going this winter. Three distances across Rotorua’s unique geothermal and Redwood trails. Expect on-course entertainment, finish line vibes, tunes, food and more.

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Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 6
image descriptionDomain Auckland

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is a series of eight running and walking events that take place in the Domain and War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill. Race Six of the series will take place on the 11th of August 2024 at the Domain. The course is a 1.

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Run Auckland Series - Race 5
image descriptionVenue to be confirmed Auckland

The Run Auckland is a series of 6 running events hosted at purpose-picked locations around Auckland to offer all types of runners a challenge. Race 5 in the series will take place on the 18th of August 2024. Distances include 10km, 5km and a kids dash.

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The Great Naseby Water Race - Ultra Running Events
image descriptionNaseby Otago

The Great Naseby Water Race will take place on August 28th 2024.  The event is a series of ultra running events. Distances include 50, 60, 80, 100, 160, 200km and 200mile. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

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Trail Trilogy
image descriptionWaihi Waikato

After the unfortunate cancellation of Trail Trilogy 2023, the event will be back on the 8th of September 2024. The event is a trail running event held along the Hauraki Rail Trail with all distances finishing in Waihi.

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Run Auckland Series - Race 6
image descriptionMillwater Estuary Auckland

The Run Auckland is a series of 6 running events hosted at purpose-picked locations around Auckland to offer all types of runners a challenge. Race 6 in the series will take place on the 8th of September 2023 at Millwater Estuary. Distances include the Half Marathon, 10.

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Kerikeri Half Marathon 2024
image descriptionKerikeri Northland

Run, Wheelie (wheel chair), Run/Walk, Competitive Walk or just walk! We have you covered!

The Kerikeri Half Marathon will take place on the 16th of September 2024.  The Kerikeri Half Marathon is flat and fast and offers Half Marathon and 5km distances.

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Race Tekapo 2024
image descriptionLake Tekapo Canterbury

Race Tekapo will return in 2024 on the 21st of September!

The event is an exciting destination race taking place in the heart of Tekapo. Enjoy breathtaking lake and mountain views while running through Lake Tekapo, Mt John and the Regional Park.

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Rakiura Challenge 2024
image descriptionStewart Island

Held annually amongst the pure wildness of Rakiura National Park, this event brings a high buzz to the small Stewart Island community whereby the population on the Island doubles in size over the weekend.

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4 Paws Marathon 2024
image descriptionBottle Lake Forest, Christchurch Canterbury

Finally, a chance to run with your best friend! An off road walking/running event set in the beautiful Bottle Lake Forest and beaches of Christchurch. The 4 Paws Marathon is a dream inspired by a passionate Sport & Exercise Doctor who loves running with his dogs.

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Abel Tasman Coastal Classic
image descriptionAbel Tasman Nelson Marlborough Tasman

If there's one event to put on the list for the run of a lifetime, it's the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic. Come stride into paradise. The Abel Tasman Coastal Classic first began in 1994 and quickly became one of New Zealand's most popular Trail Runs.

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Kaikōura Mountains to the Sea
image descriptionKaikoura Canterbury

The Kaikōura Mountains to the Sea will return in 2024 on the 26th of October.  The Kaikōura Mountains to the Sea run is a joint fundraising event for Kaikoura High School and the Kaikoura Lions.

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River-Run Backyard Ultra 2024
image descriptionWaipukurau A&P Showgrounds, River Terrace, Waikpukurau Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay's only backyard ultra! Run as many of the 6. 7km laps as you can. Entry is free although koha is greatly appreciated. All profits from the event will be donated to the Waipukurau Rotary River Pathways Trust.

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Mission Mt Somers 2024
image descriptionMt Somers Canterbury

Mission Mt Somers is taking place on the 2nd of November 2024. The event is an annual trail running event held in Canterbury based around the Mt Somers DOC walking track. This event offers four distances including 5km, 10k, half marathon and marathon.

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Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon 2024
image descriptionVictoria Park Auckland

The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon will take place on the 3rd of November 2024. Distances offered include Marathon, Half Marathon, 11km, 5km Family and a Kids Marathon and Wheelchair Marathon.

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Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon
image descriptionQueen Charlotte Sounds Nelson Marlborough Tasman

The annual Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon will take place on the 9th of November 2024. The event offers 22km of running the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track. The course finishes at Lochmara lodge with lunch before your boat trip back to Picton.

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Mt Isthmus Traverse
image descriptionLake Hawea Otago

The Mt Isthmus Traverse, will take place on the 9th of November 2024. The Mt Isthmus Traverse off-road running event will take place on the privately owned Glen Dene Station in Lake Hawea.

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City to Surf Tauranga - Mt Maunganui 2024
image descriptionTauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, Tauranga Bay of Plenty

The City to Surf Tauranga - Mt Maunganui Fun Run Walk will return on the 10th of November 2024. The event offers a half marathon, 11km and 5km. All distances can be run or walked.

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