The 2026 ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon will offer prize money for the first time in the event’s history, it was announced today. In a winner-takes-all shoot-out of the best, the overall male and female winner at the half marathon distance will each take home a cool $1000 cheque (*), courtesy of title sponsor, ASICS.
“We’re committed to this event and we’re on a mission to attract the best athletes in New Zealand to race on this PB-maker course,” Matt Wallace, ASICS New Zealand Marketing Manager said. “This is just the beginning. We’ll look to build on this – in partnership with Running Events [the event organiser] – as the event grows and develops with the new city centre course.”
Event organisers also revealed the arresting, brightly coloured crystal glass trophies the winners will take home. Tipping the scales at nearly 5kg each, they will make the perfect counterpoint to the outsized mock cheques to be presented to the champions on the main stage at Vellenoweth Green, St Heliers on Sunday, April 12th 2026.
“This is an exciting development for the event,” Race Director Rob Docherty said. “We believe the ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon deserves a place at the top table of New Zealand road running and attracting the best athletes is a key part of our development strategy. We are in discussions to host the 2027 New Zealand Half Marathon Championships, which will further enhance the event’s prestige.”
Of course it isn’t just at the pointy end that things are getting super-exciting. The radical new flat-and-fast, city-centre course and move to a single lap out-and-back from St Heliers has stirred up immense interest from the wider running community, both at home and overseas. Registrations are currently tracking 50% up on 2025 – which itself was a record year – and could see well over 6,000 participants lining up on Tamaki Drive in April.
“We’re leaving no stone unturned to make this event a special experience for everyone taking part,” Docherty continued. “Giant arches, fencing and live timing will feature at every kilometre mark with a wide variety of live entertainment along the way. Whatever other emotions you may feel as you smash out that new PB, you won’t be bored!”
Registrations are open at https://waterfront.werun.nz/enter for the 2026 ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon and Earlybird rates expire soon. There’s no better time than right now to sign up and get training towards this end-of-summer classic!
*Important! Overall winners must be present in person at the Awards Ceremony to collect their winner’s cash prize and trophy. If absent, cash award will be forfeit.
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The ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon is owned and operated by Running Events, one of the largest independent event organisers in New Zealand. First held in 2018, the Waterfront Half has grown to become the third-largest mass-participation sporting event in the upper North Island. For more information on Running Events, see werun.nz.