Overview of the Auckland Marathon
The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon, presented by ASICS, is New Zealand’s largest and most iconic annual running festival.
Fondly known as "Run The City," this event offers participants a spectacular way to experience the City of Sails, from its sparkling Waitematā Harbour to the bustling downtown waterfront.
Held annually in late October or early November, the marathon's standout feature is the unique opportunity to run across the majestic Auckland Harbour Bridge, providing unparalleled views of the city skyline and Rangitoto Island.
First established in its modern format with the bridge crossing in 1992, the Auckland Marathon has grown into a premier event on the international running calendar.
It attracts thousands of local and international competitors across a range of distances suitable for all ages and abilities.
The event is more than just a race; it's a city-wide celebration of fitness, perseverance, and community spirit, culminating in a festive atmosphere at the finish line in Victoria Park.
Race Distances & Course Details
The Auckland Marathon caters to a wide spectrum of runners and walkers with five distinct race options. Each course is professionally managed and designed to showcase the best of Auckland's stunning landscapes.
- Barfoot & Thompson Marathon: The full 42.2km race is a challenging and rewarding journey starting in Devonport, crossing the Harbour Bridge, and heading out along the picturesque waterfront to a turnaround point at St Heliers Bay before finishing at Victoria Park.
- Garmin Half Marathon: This popular 21.1km option also begins in Devonport and follows the marathon course over the bridge before heading directly to the finish line at Victoria Park.
- 11km Traverse: Offering a challenging but achievable distance, this event starts at Smales Farm on the North Shore, takes runners over the Harbour Bridge, and finishes in the city.
- United Airlines 5km Challenge: A fantastic option for those new to running or looking for a shorter challenge. This course starts in Wynyard Quarter and loops through the CBD to the Victoria Park finish.
- Barfoot & Thompson Kids Marathon: A 2.2km fun run designed to inspire the next generation of runners, also finishing at the main Victoria Park hub.
Both the full and half marathon courses have been IAAF and AIMS Certified since 2006, ensuring accuracy for professional and amateur athletes alike.
Event Schedule & Race Day Information
Race day is a meticulously organised affair with staggered start times to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. The schedule for the 2026 event is as follows:
- 5:55am: Marathon Wheelchair Start
- 6:00am: Barfoot & Thompson Marathon Start
- 6:50am: Garmin Half Marathon Start
- 8:40am: 11km Traverse Start
- 10:30am: Barfoot & Thompson Kids Marathon Start
- 11:00am: United Airlines 5km Start
All participants must collect their race packs during the official Athlete Check-In period prior to race day. Check-in is typically held in the Auckland CBD on the Friday (8am – 7pm) and Saturday (8am – 5pm) before the race. Entrants must present their QR code to receive their race number, timing device, and official gear bag.
How to Enter the Auckland Marathon
Entering the Auckland Marathon is a straightforward process completed through the official event website. Participants can choose their desired race distance and complete the online registration form.
Early entry is recommended, as prices increase as the event date approaches and allocations are exhausted. All prices are in New Zealand Dollars and include GST and processing fees.
Student discounts of 15% are available for a limited time to New Zealand school and tertiary students with valid ID.
The early bird entry fees for the 2026 event are:
- Marathon: $196.00
- Half Marathon: $160.00
- 11km Traverse: $113.00
- 5km Challenge: $67.00
- Kids Marathon: $36.00
Entrants can also create or join teams to participate with friends, family, or colleagues, and are encouraged to run for one of the event's official charity partners.
Start & Finish Line Venues
The Auckland Marathon is a point-to-point race, meaning the start and finish lines are in different locations for most distances. The Marathon and Half Marathon start on the picturesque King Edward Parade in Devonport on the North Shore.
The 11km Traverse starts from Smales Farm, also on the North Shore, while the 5km begins at Wynyard Quarter near the CBD.
All races share a common finish line at Victoria Park, on Fanshawe Street in the Auckland CBD.
This central location transforms into a vibrant event hub known as the "Party in the Park," featuring entertainment, food and beverage stalls, a corporate marquee village, and a fantastic atmosphere for runners and spectators to celebrate their achievements.
History & Event Records
While marathon events have been held in Auckland since 1936, the current iteration, famous for its Harbour Bridge crossing, was established in 1992. Over the past three decades, it has solidified its reputation as New Zealand’s premier road race.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026, the event continues to evolve while honouring its rich history.
The long-standing course records are a testament to the calibre of athletes the event attracts. The men's record was set in 1997 by New Zealander Phil Costley with a blistering time of 2:14:03. The women's record has been held since 1999 by fellow Kiwi Gabrielle O'Rourke, who completed the course in 2:38:47.
Getting There & Logistics
The finish line and main event hub are located at Victoria Park, Fanshawe Street, Auckland CBD, 1010.
Due to the separate start line locations and extensive road closures on race day, participants are strongly encouraged to use the event's official transport options, which typically include dedicated buses and ferry services.
Detailed transport information is released closer to the event date on the official marathon website.
Parking is extremely limited around both the start and finish areas, and driving is not recommended. Public transport is an excellent option for getting to and from the event. Spectators can easily access various points along the course, especially along the waterfront sections and at the finish line in Victoria Park.
