Waterfront Half Marathon
Rewrite Your PB on Tamaki Drive!
Flat.
Fast.
Scenic.
Awesome.
Welcome to Auckland's iconic half marathon running event, the Waterfront Half Marathon. This is the half marathon that Auckland runners and walkers dream of and four thousand athletes are expected to toe the line on stunning Tamaki Drive in April. Flat, fast, traffic free and spectacularly scenic, the Waterfront Half Marathon falls beautifully at the end of a summer of fitness in the City of Sails, making it the Grand Finale of the Shoe Science Auckland Half Marathon Series
The event base is Selwyn Domain, right in the heart of Mission Bay. The race starts on Tamaki Drive, heading first to Mechanics Bay with the city skyline as a sighter before heading back along the stunning waterfront ribbon towards St Heliers. Finishers will feel the spray from the iconic Mission Bay fountain as they cross the line, earning themselves a beautiful commemorative finisher medal and … probably … a new PB. And if you’re not quite up to the half marathon just yet, there’s still the 10K Classic, 5K Fun Run & Walk or 2K Kids’ Dash to aim for. Yep, you guys get a medal too!
We take our finisher medals seriously
The team at Running Events take the task of creating the best finisher medals in New Zealand very seriously. We want every single person who crosses the finish line and smashes their fitness goals to take home a beautiful moment of a great day out and an awesome goal acheived. If you don't believe us, take a look at last year.
On Course Entertainment
We know it, running a half marathon is tough! That’s why we’ve lined up awesome entertainment and giant inflatable arches for every single kilometre of the route. Whilst you’re enjoying the taiko drums, cover bands and DJs, your legs have forgotten how tired they were!
Live Timing
The Waterfront Half Marathon features one of the most advanced timing operations in the world. Athletes are tracked in real-time for every single kilometre of their journey, providing friends and family – at the venue and following along at home – with unique insight into their athlete’s progress. Mates can’t be there? Get them to follow your progress on the online splits and leaderboards and cheer you on to the finish!
Wear It With Pride: Event T-Shirt - $39
How do you know someone at the party has run a half-marathon? Because they'll be wearing one of our superb Waterfront Half Marathon event t-shirts. Featuring a smooth, sweat-wicking polyester weave, a super-comfortable runner's cut and awesome sublimated graphics, these tees are keepers. Order yours with your entry ticket or - if you forgot - add it on now. But hurry, numbers are strictly limited and when they're gone, they're gone!
Show me the Tee | Size Guide
Spectator Friendly
The Waterfront Half Marathon aims to be the most spectator friendly event in the country. Those taking on the 21K will pass the race site three times on their way to the finish line, so there’s no shortage of opportunities for cheers and encouragement. Meanwhile, whilst you are on the road, they can enjoy Mission Bay’s cafes, beach and play area without missing any of the action.
Mission
Bay.
Iconic.
Video Showcase
2023 Official Event Highlights
Beautiful Mission Bay and the Waitemata Harbour once more provided a stunning backdrop for 3,000 Half Marathoners, 10kers, 5kers and kids dashers to give it their all in Sunday's Waterfront Half Marathon. Here are just some of the highlights of an awesome day on Tamaki Drive ...
By The Numbers
New Zealand's most iconic running road is front and centre ...
Race Day
Participants
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Four To Choose From!
Important! Please familiarise yourself with our T&Cs (see below) prior to registering.
IMPORTANT
When entering one of our events, you will be required to accept our Waiver, which includes vitally important information we do not want you to miss. Above all else, you must acknowledge that your registration is non-refundable and cannot be deferred to a later edition of this event or transferred to another event (read our Refunds & Deferrals Statement). To be fair and equitable to all - we will not deviate from this position under any circumstances. You will also be acknowledging our Participation & Competition Rules including the important stipulation that - in all disputes - the Race Director's decision shall be final.
References:
- Age restrictions are calculated using the participant's age on race day.
- You must be registered by midnight on the Sunday one week prior to the event to qualify for a personalised race bib. If you register after this time you will receive a generic Late Registration bib number.
Please also note:
- All amounts are in NZD and inclusive of GST. You will be directed to our secure online payment partner, Windcave, to complete your payment. All payments over $100 are eligible to use our "FlexiREV" facility to split your payment into 4 fortnightly installments (5% service fee applies).
Race Options
From 2k to 21k, There's a Race Option For Everyone
The big kahuna! 21.1 kilometres of waterfront magic, the half marathon course is two offset laps of stunning Tamaki Drive – all the way from Mechanics Bay to St Heliers. The first lap heads towards the city from Mission Bay, all the way over the causeway to Mechanics Bay. The first turn is outside the Port of Auckland entrance in Solent St, returning all the way to Mission Bay and 500m past the start line to the second turnaround. As you hit the start line to begin the second lap, you have 11km in the bag. Lap two heads back towards the city and turns at Ngapipi Road, before proceeding all the way to the final turn at St Heliers and a short, fast blast to the finish line in Selwyn Reserve in the heart of Mission Bay.
START: Tamaki Drive
FINISH: Selwyn Reserve
Flat, fast and stunningly scenic, the 10k course heads towards the city for the first 3km, turning at Ngapipi Rd. You then have a straight 5k burn back past the start line and out to St Heliers. After making the final turn, its a short 2k blast back to the finish line - and glory - in Selwyn Reserve. Along the way, you can enjoy the on-course entertainment, aware that your friends and family are following your progress every km of the way via live tracking.
START: Tamaki Drive
FINISH: Selwyn Reserve
Just right for the whole family! Feel the excitement of starting under the big arch in Mission Bay. After a quick 500 metres towards the city, turn and head to St Heliers and back. Easy As! Scenic As! Awesome As!
START: Tamaki Drive
FINISH: Selwyn Reserve
Kids, start your engines! Flat and fast, this is high octane action for our juniors as the burnthrough Mission Bay east and west on their way to a fabulous finish and an awesome finisher medal!
START: Tamaki Drive
FINISH: Selwyn Reserve
Info Centre
Everything You Need to Know About the Waterfront Half Marathon
Race Schedule
Don't get caught at the finish line when you should be at the start line. Here is the full run down of what's happening where and when, including those all important start times ...
Race Number Collection
Race numbers can be collected frrom the venue on; Saturday 2pm-4pm and Sunday/Race Day 5:30am - 7am for Half Marathon; from 7am all other distances.
Merit Awards
We have beautiful glass trophies to award to the top finishers in each race. Check out the full list on offer and - if you plan on competing hard for these - ensure you are familiar with our competition rules ....
Event T-Shirts
Superb and exclusive sublimated event tees are a steal at $39. Easily the equal of an $80 tee in the shops, we have two colourschemes and fits to suit all tastes and sizes ....
Race Number & Timing Tag
A valid race number (with timing tag on the reverse) must be worn on the front of your shirt whenever taking part in any of our events. Find out what it looks like, how to attach it and when you will receive it here ...
Aid Stations
Aid Stations are spaced approximately every 4-5km (or less). All stations offer water and sport drink whilst those after half way in the marathon also have cookies and candy. Check out the course maps in the Race Options section for exact locations ....
Finisher Medal
Every finisher - no matter the distance - will receive an stunning and exclusive event finisher medal. For the truly dedicated, this medal is part one of a five part "Grand Slam" collection for the full Auckland Half Marathon Series....
iTab Medal Insert
Immortalise your achievement with an iTab medal insert. iTab is a self-adhesive plate, accurately cut for the recess on the back of your medal. It is delivered direct to your home and shows your name, distance and time ....
Road Closures
The safe and successful operation of the Waterfront Half Marathon requires some road and lane closures in the area. Running Events are extremely grateful to council, NZTA and residents for their cooperation ....
Parking
Most participants find parking in the streets around Mission Bay, and nearby suburbs. This can be challenging on race day so leave plenty of time and be prepared for a 10-15 minute jog/walk to the venue (the ideal warm up!). Auckland Transport parking enforcement officers will be on duty so don't ruin a great day by parking illegally.
AIMS Certification
The Waterfront Half Marathon 21km and 10km courses have both been measured by an AIMS certified course measurer and carry a current AIMS certification, making those events eligible for official records ...
Pacers
Pacers can help you achieve your race goals by giving you a steady pace to follow and offering encouragement when you lag. We plan to have pacers in both the Half Marathon at a variety of target times. Find out more here ....
Cut-Off Times
Whilst we want to see every single person make it to the finish line and smash their fitness goals, the need to open roads, free up resources and release race marshals all require definite cut-off times to be implemented. Read about them here ...
Walkers
Walkers are made very welcome at all of our events and will often be 10% of the total field. Check out our walking guidelines with info on how to register as a walker and the competition rules ....
Virtual Events
Can't make it to the event? You can still take part - and earn that all-important finisher medal - by completing the event virtually and uploading your finish time. Find our more about how this works on our dedicated info page ...
Safety
The safety of our participants, crew and the public is our number one concern. First, last and always. Find out more about our safety procedures and what to expect at our events here ...
Past Events
The Waterrfont Half Marathon was established in 2018.
Results
How did you do?
Event Recaps
Check out photo galleries, videos, medal designs from previous events.
