It’s all change for the ever-improving, ever-growing ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon. Not content with switching to a new, single-lap course in 2026, the event will shift its base into the heart of Auckland city and run towards a turnaround point in Kohimarama from 2027.

“We decided it was time to take the event in a new direction … literally,” said Race Director Rob Docherty. “Since 2018 we’ve been starting the event out on the eastern beaches and running towards the city, but with the exponential growth in participation, we really cannot host it out there any longer. The advent of the CRL and our march past 6,000 participants makes it a no-brainer to relocate to the city, where public transport, parking and access are so much better for everyone involved.”

The event will be staged at Base Spaces, an enormous tar sealed utility space between Silo Park and the Team New Zealand America’s Cup HQ. The venue boast wide open areas for event infrastructure, a connection directly to the nearby harbour and all activities taken place under the imposing shape of the Auckland city skyline.

“We’re excited to see this event grow and develop,” commented Matt Wallace, ASICS New Zealand Marketing Manager. “This is the right move, at the right time to cement the ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon as New Zealand’s premier standalone half marathon. We want ASICS to be part of that development.”

Waterfront Half’s self-styled Chief Entertainment Officer, Jason Herriman, piped in too. “We may be changing direction, but we’ll still be bringing a full-noise production. Runners can expect the same giant arch and live timing from every kilometre mark as well as bands, DJs and performers scattered right across the course. And I can’t wait to call you all over the finish line as you smash your PB on the Auckland waterfront!”

The 2027 ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon – the grand finale of the 2026/27 Garmin Auckland Half Marathon Series – is set down for Sunday, April 11th. Entries are now open at https://waterfront.werun.nz