The best just got even better.

The final course for the 2026 ASICS Waterfront Half Marathon has been revealed and the already thrilling downtown loop between kilometre 9 and 11 just got even more exciting. Instead of a shortened loop around the Te Komititanga square – exiting the way you came in – runners will now traverse the square and exit on the city side of the train station for an extended loop of newly renovated Britomart streets.

“Our official course measure came up a couple hundred metres short and we were faced with a tricky situation to find that extra distance,” said Race Director, Rob Docherty. “But thanks to the cooperation of Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, we’ve solved that problem and turned what could have been a negative into a massive positive for participants.

“The extended loop takes in Galway St, Takutai Square, Tyler St and Commerce St. These roads feature the very best of a rejuvenated inner-city, lined with coffee shops, boutiques, ale-houses and the newly opened Waitematā Station Plaza. We’re very fortunate to have permission to go right through the heart of Downtown Auckland and give participants a real sense of big city running. It will be thrilling.”

Race organisers also unveiled their newly issued official course measurement certificates from World Athletics (formerly AIMS) for the half marathon and 10k races. These certificates guarantee participants that the course has been measured as accurate to the most rigorous of standards and is eligible for setting records and meeting qualification standards.

21km Certificate | 10km Certificate

“Everything is coming together perfectly for a huge day out on April 12,” said Running Events’ spokesperson, Jason Herriman. “Registrations continue to exceed expectations and a 6,000 person sell out is on the cards. You will not want to miss out on this one!”

 

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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.