Running Events, organisers of the ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon, have unveiled a thrilling new course for the much-loved Auckland event. Starting with the 2026 edition, to be held on April 12^th, 2026, the half marathon course will become a single out-and-back lap between St Heliers and downtown Auckland. To accommodate the change – and make space for an anticipated surge in participation – the event HQ is also on the move, relocating from Selwyn Reserve in Mission Bay to Velloneweth Green in St Heliers.

The change marks the most significant upgrade for the event since its inception in 2018 and cements its place on the podium of the three biggest running events in New Zealand’s most populous city. Capacity issues inherent in the two-offset-lap course utilised up until now, which hindered growth beyond the 4200 participants in 2025, will be a thing of the past. Meanwhile, half marathon runners will now experience the thrill of running towards and into Downtown Auckland skyscrapers and historic buildings.

“This new course is a game-changer!” declared Race Director, Rob Docherty. “The Waterfront Half has always been a PB course, but now participants can experience the thrill of running right into the heart of Auckland. With the rising sun reflecting off the skyscrapers and a city loop which includes The Cloud, the famous Ferry Building and Te Komititanga square, we have an international calibre offering. We’re extremely grateful to Auckland Council and Auckland Transport for adopting a can-do attitude to this major upgrade.”

Despite the extended field-of-play, the Waterfront Half Marathon will continue to offer live timing from every single kilometre. This technological marvel, unmatched at any similar race throughout Oceania, means family and friends who cannot be there on the day can follow their athletes step-by-step in real-time from anywhere in the world. Those in the support crew at the finish line will know exactly when to get ready to cheer their athlete in.

All the action will be concentrated at the new event HQ in Vellenpweth Green, St Heliers. This huge reserve opposite St Heliers beach offers space for the Waterfront Half Marathon’s continued growth with exciting activations and a party atmosphere guaranteed.

Entries for the 2026 Waterfront Half Marathon will go on sale at https://waterfront.werun.nz  from 9am on Wednesday, October 1st.

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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.