📅 Date: Saturday 15 May 2027
📍 Start: Anderson Park, York Avenue, Greenmeadows, Napier, New Zealand
🏁 Finish: Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, Te Awanga
📏 Distance: 42.195km (also 21.1km / 10km / 2.2km Kids Run)
⏰ Marathon Start Time: 8:20am NZST
⏱️ Course Cut-off: 4:00pm (approx 7h40m). Intermediate cut at Brookfield’s Bridge (15km) by 10:45am
🏔️ Elevation: Flat. Mixed terrain — 50% sealed road, 50% hard-packed limestone trail
🎽 Race Series: Part of the Runaway Marathon Series
💰 Entry Fee (Marathon, Super Early): NZD $185
🏆 Prize Money: NZD $3,000 / $1,500 / $750 (men and women equal)
🎓 Min Age: 18 years on race day
📝 Athlete Check-In: Friday 14 May, 10am–9pm, Napier War Memorial Centre
🌐 Official Website: hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz
There are marathons that test you. There are marathons that scenically distract you from being tested. And then there is the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon — a race that somehow does both, wraps the whole thing in a food and wine festival, and sends you home wondering why you don’t come here every year. When they tell you the finish line is at a winery, they are not being poetic. You cross the timing mat, someone hands you a medal, and within minutes you are standing on the terrace of Elephant Hill Estate with a glass of Hawke’s Bay rosé and the Pacific in the distance. It is, by some margin, one of the most civilised ways to end a 42-kilometre run.
The 2027 edition is the 11th, and the race has settled into the kind of rhythm that only comes with maturity. The field has grown past 7,800 registered participants. More than 81% travel from outside Hawke’s Bay to get here — from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and increasingly from Australia and further abroad. The Runaway series has built a loyal community of regulars who treat this not as a race but as an annual escape, pairing the Saturday marathon with a long weekend of cellar doors, Art Deco architecture and coastal trails. If you need a reason to train hard through the New Zealand autumn, this race is a very good one.
The course itself is genuinely flat. That is the thing that makes Hawke’s Bay a proper PB target for recreational runners who do their homework. There are no meaningful hills. The terrain alternates between smooth tarmac and hard-packed limestone cycle trails that feel quick underfoot once your legs find the rhythm. What the elevation chart does not show you is the coastal headwind along the Napier waterfront, which is the one variable that can quietly unravel a race that felt comfortable through the first 15km. Plan for it and you will be fine. Ignore it and the last third gets long.
This guide covers every detail you need for 2027 — from how to pace the coastal stretch to where to stay in Napier and what the prize money structure looks like. Whether you are targeting a new PB, ticking off a Runaway MVP medal or simply looking for the most enjoyable 42km you have ever run in Australasia, Hawke’s Bay is worth making the trip for.
Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon 2027 — Race at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Date | Saturday 15 May 2027 |
| Edition | 11th (inaugural 2016) |
| Location | Napier and Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand |
| Marathon Start | 8:20am, Anderson Park, York Avenue, Greenmeadows, Napier |
| Half Marathon Start | 8:00am, Marine Parade, Napier |
| 10km Start | 7:30am, Evers-Swindell Reserve, Clive |
| Kids Run Start | 1:30pm, Elephant Hill Estate & Winery |
| Finish Line (All) | Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, Te Awanga |
| Course Profile | Flat — no significant elevation gain. Mixed: 50% sealed road, 50% hard-packed limestone trail |
| Course Cut-off | 4:00pm (roads reopen). Intermediate cut: 15km by 10:45am |
| Minimum Age | 18 years on race day (marathon) |
| Timing | Chip (disposable, attached to bib). Timing mat at start, halfway and finish |
| Start Groups | Yes — wave start by predicted finish time |
| Organiser | IRONMAN New Zealand Limited / Runaway Marathon Series |
| Race Rules | Athletics New Zealand and Sport Integrity Commission NZ Regulations |
| Wheelchairs / Prams | Not permitted — course conditions unsuitable |
What Makes the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon Worth Running?
A Genuine PB Course — If You Respect the Wind
Flat marathons are common enough. Genuinely runnable flat marathons with good terrain, minimal congestion in the second half and a PB-friendly field size are rarer. Hawke’s Bay is the latter. The limestone trail sections feel quick, the road surfaces are good and the wave starts mean you are not fighting traffic through the early kilometres. The 2026 course records — 2:19:52 for Michael Voss and 2:45:44 for Alice Mason — were both set by significant margins, which tells you something about the course’s potential. The catch, which every veteran here will mention, is the coastal headwind. It is not a guarantee but it is common enough that you need a Plan B for the stretch from the Port of Napier south. Build that buffer into your pacing and you have a genuine time trial on your hands.
The Finish Line Is Actually a Festival
Most race finish lines are a medal, a banana and a mylar blanket. Elephant Hill Estate and Winery is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cellar doors, set on the coast with views out to Cape Kidnappers. When you cross the line, the finish area is already a full food and wine festival with live music, local food vendors and wine tasting. Family and supporters can spend the whole day here. Prizes must be collected in person at the finish tent on the day, so there is reason for everyone to linger. It is the kind of post-race atmosphere that makes recreational runners sign up again before they have even recovered.
Course Scenery That Actually Changes
A lot of “scenic” marathons are scenic for about three kilometres and then become industrial roads. Hawke’s Bay keeps delivering. You pass through inner-city Napier (Art Deco architecture, the Pania of the Reef statue on the waterfront, the National Aquarium), then transition to the limestone estuary trails around Ahuriri with ocean views, run the coast road south past working orchards and paddocks, wind through the Waitangi Estuary and finish through the vineyard approach to Elephant Hill. The terrain variety also means you are unconsciously using slightly different muscle groups through each phase, which helps with fatigue management.
Part of the Runaway MVP Series
Hawke’s Bay is one of five events in the Runaway Marathon Series (Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney, Noosa and Hawke’s Bay). Runners who complete all five events earn the Runaway MVP medal — a genuine collector’s piece for Australasian running enthusiasts. The series has built a real community of regulars who appear at multiple events every year, which gives the race a warmth and familiarity that larger international city marathons sometimes lack. If you are already doing Auckland or Queenstown, this is a natural addition to your racing calendar.
The Region Makes It a Proper Weekend Away
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country — one of only 11 Great Wine Capitals of the World and the country’s oldest wine-growing region. More than 30 cellar doors operate in the region. Napier’s Art Deco streetscape is unlike anywhere else in Australasia. The Hawke’s Bay Trails give you nearly 200km of limestone cycle paths to explore post-race. Te Mata Peak is a 20-minute drive from the finish and has one of the most dramatic views on the North Island. The race is legitimately the reason you go, but the region is the reason you stay an extra two nights.
A Race That Cares About the Back of the Pack
The cut-off is 4:00pm from an 8:20am start — roughly 7 hours 40 minutes. That is generous enough for run-walk finishers who have trained sensibly. The wave starts mean slower runners are never fighting through a crowded course early. The finish line festival is still in full swing for finishers coming in at hour five and beyond. This is not a race that rolls up the carpet on you at 3pm. The founding community includes runners who have finished every single one of the 10 editions — in a range of times and under a range of conditions. That inclusivity is built into the culture of the event.
The Course — Kilometre by Kilometre
Course at a Glance
Start: Anderson Park, York Avenue, Greenmeadows, Napier
Finish: Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, Te Awanga
Total Distance: 42.195km
Elevation: Flat. No significant climbs.
Surface: 50% sealed road / 50% hard-packed limestone cycle trail
Key Landmarks: Park Island trails → Ahuriri Estuary → old rail bridge → Westshore → Pandora Bridge → Port of Napier → Pania of the Reef → National Aquarium → Waitangi Regional Park → Clive River → Tukituki River → Haumoana → Cape Kidnappers views → Elephant Hill Estate
Intermediate Cut-off: Brookfield’s Bridge (15km) by 10:45am
Km 0–6: Anderson Park to Ahuriri — The Warm-Up Trap
The marathon starts at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows, a quiet suburban area that gives you no indication of what is coming over the next 36km. Runners wind down Westminster Street, along Wharerangi Road toward Church Street, then make a right toward Park Island. It feels like a low-key neighbourhood loop. It is. Legs feel good, the morning is typically cool and crisp at this point, and the field has thinned just enough from the wave starts that you can find your rhythm. This is where many recreational runners go out too fast. The course has given you nothing to worry about yet and that is precisely the problem.
From Park Island you get your first taste of the limestone trails — a run around the base of the hill and back onto the bike paths along Prebensen Drive. This is the moment to notice the surface change. The limestone is fast but it is not tarmac. Runners who have not trained on it often slightly over-stride or change their foot strike without realising it. Keep your form the same as on road. Cross Prebensen Drive and join the limestone trails around the Ahuriri Estuary.
Km 6–13: Ahuriri Estuary to Port of Napier — Trails, Bridges and Perspective
This is the most technically interesting section of the course and the one that runners remember. The limestone trail around the Ahuriri Estuary is genuinely beautiful — the estuary opens to your right with birdlife, the old rail bridge crosses overhead and you pass through Westshore before hitting Pandora Bridge. There are surface transitions here: limestone to bridge decking to road and back. If you are running with headphones, turn them down slightly and feel what your feet are telling you.
The bridge sections deserve mention. The old rail bridge and Pandora Bridge have slightly different surfaces underfoot and can bounce if there are a cluster of runners crossing together. Nothing dramatic, but worth knowing if you are mid-stride and hitting a rhythm. Through Ahuriri and into the Port of Napier you are back on sealed road and the scenery shifts to industrial waterfront. At around 13km you emerge onto the coastal path heading south. This is where the race really begins.
Km 13–22: Napier Coastline — The Headwind Stretch
This is the section of the course that does not appear on the elevation chart but absolutely shows up in your split times. The coastal path runs south along Marine Parade past the Pania of the Reef statue, the National Aquarium and the Spirit of Napier. It is flat, exposed and open to the prevailing wind off the Pacific. In May, the wind typically comes from the south or southwest — which means it is in your face for this section and at your back for very little of it.
The 2026 women’s champion Alice Mason put it plainly: she did not love the headwind along the waterfront. This was not a complaint — it was a tactical observation. The smart move is to find a group or run slightly inside someone’s shoulder if the wind is up. Save the mental and physical energy that fighting the wind alone costs you. You will need it later. The coastline is beautiful and the spectator opportunities are good here (Marine Parade is accessible for supporters). Let the scenery keep you calm and save the effort for the back half.
Km 22–32: Waitangi Regional Park to the Tukituki River — The Quiet Middle
After Waitangi Regional Park the course turns south along the oceanfront toward the Clive River. This is the quietest section of the route — country roads, farmland and the sound of the sea. The half marathon joins the marathon course at Waitangi Regional Park (the half starts at 8:00am on Marine Parade and catches up with the marathon field here). For recreational marathon runners this can feel like a sudden burst of energy — new faces, fresh half marathon runners coming through — but resist the temptation to match their pace.
The stretch toward the Tukituki River mouth and east to Haumoana is exposed and, for most runners, falls between km 24 and 30. This is the actual blow-up zone for the majority of recreational runners at Hawke’s Bay. The course still looks flat and benign on paper. But accumulated wind resistance from the coastal section, the surface transitions in the early kilometres and the simple fact of being at 25–28km with an hour or more still to run means this is where inadequate pacing catches up with you. Runners who had a very comfortable first 21km often slow significantly here. The answer is disciplined pacing through the coast section, not tougher training.
Km 32–42.2: Haumoana to Elephant Hill — The Cape Kidnappers Run-In
Beach Road and Clifton Road form the final approach to the finish. The road curves south along the coast with Cape Kidnappers — the dramatic gannet colony headland — becoming visible to your right. The views here are genuinely spectacular and have saved more than a few struggling runners from completely falling apart. The winery is visible ahead with more time to go than most people want, which is the psychological reality of this flat finish: there is nowhere to hide and nothing to do but keep moving.
If you have paced sensibly through the middle third you will have enough left to run this section well. The finish area at Elephant Hill announces itself through the noise — live music, the MC calling runners home, family cheering from the winery terrace. The final 500m into the finish chute is one of the best in New Zealand running. Take it in.
Race Strategy — How to Actually Run Hawke’s Bay Well
The early kilometres lie to you. Anderson Park to the Ahuriri Estuary (km 0–7) is where most recreational runners at Hawke’s Bay make their biggest mistake. The suburban start is quiet, the morning is cool and the course has given you no reason to slow down. Runners regularly come through 10km at a pace 15-20 seconds per kilometre faster than their planned goal. That margin feels small at 10km. By km 30 it has compounded into the difference between a good race and a survival march.
The limestone trail at km 6 is your pacing checkpoint. When you join the Hawke’s Bay Trails at Prebensen Drive, use that surface change as a deliberate moment to check your watch and your effort. If your heart rate is above your target zone or your pace is significantly ahead of plan, pull back here — not after the coast section. The trail itself is not the problem; it is a useful early reality check that you are running 42km, not 6km.
The real race starts at Waitangi Regional Park (km 22). The exposed coastal section from the Port of Napier southward — roughly km 13 to 22 — is where the headwind lives. Do not race this section. Run controlled effort rather than controlled pace: if the wind is up, accept that your pace will slow and do not try to push through it. Burning matches fighting a coastal headwind at km 15 means you arrive at km 28 already in debt. Find a group to run behind if the wind is significant. The half marathon field joins you at Waitangi Regional Park — treat that point as the real start of your marathon race.
The specific blow-up zone is km 28–32. If you are going to fall apart at Hawke’s Bay, it happens here — the quiet country road section between the Clive River and Haumoana. There are no crowds, no obvious landmarks and the finish is still 10km away. Runners who came through halfway feeling great and ran their race up through the coast section on adrenaline typically hit a biological wall here. If your pre-race strategy says “negative split” or “even pace,” this is the section that decides whether that actually happens.
Pacing prescription: Use the Tom Parker Fountain on Marine Parade (approximately km 18, near the midpoint of the coastal stretch) as your check-in point. At that landmark, your cumulative time should be no more than 10-12 seconds per kilometre faster than an even-pace target. Any more banked than that and you need to deliberately ease off through the Waitangi/Clive section. Any slower and you are on pace — do not try to make it up.
Gear note: Bring a thin wind-resistant layer or arm warmers that you can tie around your waist. The May morning start at 8:20am is typically 11–13°C with a live coastal breeze. By km 30 you will be generating enough heat that the layer is unnecessary, but the first 6km of suburban running can feel chilly. ASICS is the naming rights partner, but wear whatever shoe works for you on a mixed road and limestone trail surface — a standard road shoe is fine; you do not need trail shoes.
Registration — How to Enter the 2027 Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon
2027 entries are now open via the official race website. The event typically sells out in advance, particularly the marathon distance. Entries are available online until 5pm on 14 May 2027 — after that, limited late entries may be accepted in person at Athlete Check-In only.
| Distance | Super Early Entry (NZD) | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon 42.195km | $185 | 18 years on race day |
| Half Marathon 21.1km | $120 | Check official site |
| 10km Run | $85 | Check official site |
| Kids Run 2.2km | $40 | Kids/family |
All prices in NZD, inclusive of processing fees and GST. Later pricing tiers will be announced — check the official entry page for updates. Prices are confirmed to rise from 13 August onwards.
What’s included: Race number, personalised race bib (if entered before midnight 11 April 2027), finisher’s medal, athlete gift, aid stations with water and PURE nutrition, post-race recovery area at the finish.
Group entries (10+ participants): Contact hawkesbaymarathon@ironman.com. Group bookings close 16 April 2027.
Entry via the official portal: Enter now at njuko.com
Refund and Transfer Policy — Read Before You Enter
Refund deadlines:
- Up to 20 February 2027 (11:59pm NZT): 45% of entry fee refundable
- Up to 3 April 2027 (11:59pm NZT): 22% of entry fee refundable
- After 3 April 2027: No refunds for athlete-initiated withdrawals
Transfer to a friend: Allowed up to 5pm on 14 May 2027. Transfer fee: NZD $27. Same distance only — you cannot transfer a marathon entry to a half marathon entry for a friend. Log in to your Participant Dashboard to initiate.
Distance change (same person): Up to 5pm on 14 May 2027 via Participant Dashboard. Pay the difference to upgrade; no refund to downgrade.
Pregnancy policy: Full entry fee refund with proof of pregnancy or birth certificate.
Deferred / transferred entries / event credit entries: Not eligible for any refunds.
Important: Your bib cannot be given to another person without a formal transfer. Doing so risks disqualification.
Race Weekend Schedule — May 2027
| Date & Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 14 May — 10:00am–9:00pm | Athlete Check-In (mandatory for all participants) | Napier War Memorial Centre, 48 Marine Parade |
| Fri 14 May — 10:00am–9:00pm | Event Merchandise Store | Napier War Memorial Centre |
| Fri 14 May — 10:00am–7:00pm | Sports & Lifestyle Expo (free entry) | Napier War Memorial Centre |
| Fri 14 May — 3:30pm | ASICS Shakeout Run | Tom Parker Fountain, Marine Parade |
| Sat 15 May — 7:30am | 10km Start | Evers-Swindell Reserve, Clive |
| Sat 15 May — 7:45am–5:00pm | Event Hub Live (music, food, wine, entertainment) | Elephant Hill Estate & Winery |
| Sat 15 May — 8:00am | Half Marathon Start | Marine Parade, Napier |
| Sat 15 May — 8:20am | Marathon Start | Anderson Park, York Ave, Greenmeadows, Napier |
| Sat 15 May — 12:30pm | Prize Collection — 10km and Half Marathon | Elephant Hill — Information Tent |
| Sat 15 May — 1:30pm | Kids Run Start | Elephant Hill Estate & Winery |
| Sat 15 May — 2:30pm | Prize Collection — Marathon and Kids Run | Elephant Hill — Information Tent |
| Sat 15 May — until 4:00pm | Course closes — all runners must be finished | Elephant Hill Estate & Winery |
| Sun 16 May — All Day | Medal Perks (finisher discounts across Hawke’s Bay) | Hawke’s Bay Region |
Schedule subject to change. Always confirm at hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz closer to race day.
Athlete Check-In and Sports Expo
Date: Friday 14 May 2027
Hours: 10:00am–9:00pm (Athlete Check-In and Merchandise) / 10:00am–7:00pm (Sports Expo)
Location (2027 expected): Napier War Memorial Centre, 48 Marine Parade, Napier
Athlete Check-In is mandatory for all participants. You cannot race without collecting your bib. Bring your QR code from your confirmation email (also sent during race week). If you cannot attend, someone else can collect for you — send them your QR code.
Late entries may be available in person at Athlete Check-In unless the event is sold out prior.
What to collect: Race number / personalised bib / disposable timing chip (attached to bib) / official gear bag for bag drop / race information
Bag drop on race day: Available at the start area for all distances. Only official event gear bags are accepted at Bag Drop — not personal sports bags. Label your bag with the tag attached to your bib.
The Sports Expo features running, health, nutrition and lifestyle brands. Entry is free. The ASICS merchandise stand and strapping service are typically present. Good opportunity to pick up last-minute nutrition, race-day essentials or browse the event merchandise range. Over 8,000 participants and supporters pass through the Expo across the day.
Friday Shakeout Run: ASICS hosts a shakeout run departing from the Tom Parker Fountain on Marine Parade at 3:30pm. Highly recommended — it gets the legs moving, familiarises you with the Napier waterfront and gives you a feel for the coastal breeze you will encounter the next morning.
Expo location is confirmed as the Napier War Memorial Centre for 2026. The 2027 location is listed as TBC on the official site — check hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz/athlete-info/event-expo/ for confirmation closer to the event.
Race Day Weather — What to Expect in Napier in May
| Condition | Typical Range (Napier, May) |
|---|---|
| Race Morning Temperature (8am) | 11–13°C |
| Afternoon High (by finish) | 17–18°C |
| Overnight Low | 9–10°C |
| Wind | Moderate — coastal exposure on southward stretch (S/SW prevailing). Expect 15–25km/h on exposed sections |
| Rain Probability | Moderate — Napier is drier than most of NZ (rain shadow from the Kaweka Ranges) but May can bring showers |
| Cloud Cover | Variable — partly to mostly cloudy typical |
| UV Index | Low (2–3) — autumn sun, not a heat management issue |
May in Hawke’s Bay is mid-autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The race starts at 8:20am at roughly 11-13°C — comfortable for most runners in a singlet and arm warmers or a lightweight long-sleeve. The headline weather variable at Hawke’s Bay is not temperature but coastal wind. The exposed southward stretch from the Port of Napier through to Haumoana can have a consistent headwind off the Pacific, particularly from the south or southwest. The 2026 edition was a bright autumn morning that produced course records — but even then, the women’s winner specifically noted the waterfront headwind. Pack a light wind vest that you can tie around your waist after the first 10km if needed, and check the MetService Napier forecast at metservice.com on Friday morning before Check-In.
Prize Money and Elite Race Information
| Placing | Marathon — Men | Marathon — Women | Half Marathon — Men | Half Marathon — Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | NZD $3,000 | NZD $3,000 | NZD $1,000 | NZD $1,000 |
| 2nd | NZD $1,500 | NZD $1,500 | — | — |
| 3rd | NZD $750 | NZD $750 | — | — |
Prize Money Rules and Age Group Awards
- All prize money in NZD. Equal prize money for men and women across all places.
- Marathon overall prize money is based on gun time.
- Prizes above NZD $500 are subject to 20% New Zealand Resident Withholding Tax.
- Age group prizes (non-monetary) awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category for men and women across all distances. Age group placings based on mat (chip) time.
- Age group categories (marathon): 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80+.
- Prizes must be collected in person at the finish line Information Tent by the specified collection times. Prizes not collected will not be posted.
- The race is run under Athletics New Zealand and Sport Integrity Commission NZ rules. Anti-doping regulations apply.
Past Results — Defending Champions
The 2026 edition was the 10th anniversary and produced course records in both the men’s and women’s marathon. Michael Voss (Rotorua) lowered his own 2022 course best to 2:19:52. Wellington’s Alice Mason returned two years after being overtaken in the final 3km to win convincingly in 2:45:44 — also a new best. The 2025 edition was won by New Zealand Olympian Malcolm Hicks and four-time consecutive champion Ingrid Cree.
| Year | Men’s Winner | Time | Women’s Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (10th) — CR | Michael Voss (Rotorua) | 2:19:52 ⚡ | Alice Mason (Wellington) | 2:45:44 ⚡ |
| 2025 | Malcolm Hicks (NZ Olympian) | 2:24:46 | Ingrid Cree (Wellington) | 2:47:47 |
| 2024 | Michael Voss | ~2:25 | Ingrid Cree (Wellington) | 2:46:48 |
2026 Full Marathon Podium:
| Place | Men | Time | Women | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Michael Voss | 2:19:52 | Alice Mason | 2:45:44 |
| 2nd | Jack Moody | 2:20:02 | Jaime Preston | 2:52:49 |
| 3rd | Eric Speakman | 2:28:07 | Billie-Lee Haresnape | 2:53:52 |
2025 Full Marathon Podium:
| Place | Men | Time | Women | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Malcolm Hicks | 2:24:46 | Ingrid Cree | 2:47:47 |
| 2nd | Rodwyn Isaacs | ~2:26 | Bethany Bromfield | ~2:50 |
| 3rd | Hiro Tanimoto | — | Marina Ferguson | — |
Full historical results at hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz/athlete-info/race-results/. Note: 2025 2nd/3rd place times partially confirmed; 2024 men’s time approximate. ⚡ = Course record.
Spectator Guide — Where to Watch the Hawke’s Bay Marathon
Hawke’s Bay is genuinely supporter-friendly. The course passes through accessible public areas, the finish line festival is one of the best in New Zealand running and the flat terrain means you can actually see runners coming from a distance. For supporters driving between spots, note that road closures are in effect on race morning — check the 2027 road closure map once it is published on the official site.
| Spot | Approx Marathon km | What You Will See | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Park (Start) | km 0 | Marathon start, atmosphere, wave gun | York Ave, Greenmeadows — arrive early, parking limited race morning |
| Ahuriri / Port area | km 9–12 | Runners on limestone trails and Pandora Bridge, good spread | Accessible on foot from Ahuriri village; cafes nearby for a coffee while you wait |
| Marine Parade / Napier Waterfront | km 14–19 | Long coastal stretch — see runners multiple times if you move along the parade | Marine Parade is a long open road; park near the Tom Parker Fountain for a great mid-race view |
| Waitangi Regional Park | km 22 | Marathon runners plus half marathon joining the course — busy, energetic | Clive end of course — check road access vs closures |
| Elephant Hill Estate (Finish) | km 42.2 | The finish line, food & wine festival, live music, awards | Open to all from 7:45am. Shuttle from Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. Wine tasting, food, entertainment. Stay all day. |
Spectator and Supporter Tips
- Download the Runaway Marathon Series app for live athlete tracking and results in real time. Search “Runaway Marathon Series” in the App Store or Google Play.
- The Elephant Hill finish festival is the best place to spend most of your day. It opens at 7:45am and runs until 5pm. Buy wine by the glass, sit on the terrace and watch runners finish from 10:30am through to mid-afternoon.
- Event shuttles run between Napier, Hastings, Havelock North and the finish line — supporters can use these too. Online shuttle tickets close 12 May 2027; buy at Athlete Check-In after that.
- If driving to Elephant Hill on race day, allow extra time. The coastal roads south of Napier narrow and some sections are subject to closures or traffic management on race morning.
- Bring layers. Elephant Hill is on the coast and the May morning can be fresh. By mid-afternoon it typically warms to a comfortable 17-18°C.
Where to Stay for the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon
The event provides shuttle buses from Napier, Hastings and Havelock North to the marathon start at Anderson Park and from the finish at Elephant Hill back to town. This means you are not limited to Napier city if you prefer the vineyard country or a quieter base. Book early — the race weekend in May sees strong demand across the region, particularly in Napier city where Athlete Check-In is located.
| Zone | Character | Distance to Check-In | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Napier City / Marine Parade | Hotels, motels, Art Deco apartments on the waterfront. Urban, walkable, restaurants on the doorstep | Walking distance (48 Marine Parade) | Runners who want to walk to Check-In, be near the shakeout run and have dinner options on race eve |
| Ahuriri / Port | Boutique accommodation and waterfront cafes. The course actually runs through here | ~2km (10 min walk or short drive) | Runners who want atmosphere, good dining and to watch other runners go past their base on race morning |
| Westshore | Quiet beachside suburb on the course route. Motels and holiday parks | ~3km | Budget-conscious runners who want proximity to the course without city prices |
| Hastings | Larger town inland, 20min from Napier. Full accommodation range, more availability | ~20km (event shuttle available) | Groups, families and runners combining the race with a Hawke’s Bay wine country stay |
| Havelock North | Boutique village, world-class wine estates, luxury lodges and vineyard retreats | ~20km (event shuttle available) | Post-race splurge, couples escapes and the Runaway “festival weekend” experience |
| Near Elephant Hill (Te Awanga / Clifton) | Coastal holiday homes, beachside baches, small cottages | ~35km (must shuttle or drive to Check-In) | Runners who want to wake up near the finish line and celebrate without a long return journey |
Search accommodation via Hawke’s Bay Tourism or Booking.com (the official event partner). The event also runs online shuttle ticket sales — these close 12 May 2027, so book before then. Online shuttle tickets: hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz/athlete-info/transport-services/
International Runners — Visa and Travel to Hawke’s Bay
| Nationality | Visa Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | NZeTA required | Apply online at immigration.govt.nz before travel. NZ and Australia have a special travel arrangement but NZeTA is still required for Australian passport holders |
| United Kingdom | NZeTA required | Visa-waiver country. Apply via the NZeTA app or immigration.govt.nz |
| USA / Canada | NZeTA required | Visa-waiver countries. NZeTA is quick and inexpensive — apply before booking flights |
| EU / Schengen countries | NZeTA required (most) | Check your specific nationality at immigration.govt.nz |
| India / China / most Asia | Visitor visa required | Apply online via Immigration New Zealand. Allow sufficient processing time — apply as soon as you enter the race |
| All others | Check official source | immigration.govt.nz — enter your passport country to see requirements |
Getting to Hawke’s Bay — Flights and Logistics
Napier Airport (NPE) is the closest airport — approximately 5km from Napier city centre. It receives daily domestic services from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch operated by Air New Zealand. There are no direct international flights into Napier.
From Auckland (AKL): 50-minute domestic flight to Napier (multiple daily services). From Auckland International, allow 2-3 hours for international connection plus the domestic flight. Auckland to Napier is the main gateway for international runners.
From Wellington (WLG): 45-minute domestic flight. Good option for runners based in or transiting through Wellington.
Driving from Auckland: Approximately 4.5-5 hours via SH2 through the Napier-Taupo road or SH5. A scenic option if you are making a North Island road trip of it.
Critical logistics: Athlete Check-In on Friday 14 May is mandatory. Plan to arrive in Hawke’s Bay by Friday morning at the very latest. Last flight in on Thursday evening is the safe play. The expo opens at 10am on Friday so a mid-morning arrival still works.
Race day transport: The marathon start at Anderson Park is approximately 7km from central Napier. Event shuttle buses run from Napier, Hastings and Havelock North — book online before 12 May 2027. Taxis and rideshare available from Napier. Some runners drive to the start (parking at Anderson Park) and take the shuttle back from Elephant Hill after the finish.
A Short History of the Hawke’s Bay Marathon
The inaugural Air New Zealand Hawkes Bay International Marathon ran on 14 May 2016 — a first edition that attracted more than 2,000 competitors to what was then a brand new race in New Zealand’s running calendar. The finish line at Sileni Estates Winery (later moved to Elephant Hill) established from the very first year what the event was going to be about: a proper race with a proper party at the end. James Parsons won that first edition and set the early benchmark for the men’s race. The concept of finishing at a working winery in one of New Zealand’s greatest wine regions was unusual enough to generate immediate word of mouth, and the race grew quickly.
By 2021, the fifth edition had become the biggest in the race’s short history, drawing more than 8,000 participants and selling out. Organised by IRONMAN New Zealand Limited as part of a growing portfolio of Australasian destination running events, the race was eventually rebranded as the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon and absorbed into the Runaway Marathon Series — a curated collection of destination events spanning New Zealand and Australia. The cyclone edition (widely referenced by long-time participants) tested the event’s organisational resilience, with a modified course that the community rallied around. The experience cemented the race’s reputation as something more than a standard road marathon.
The 2026 tenth anniversary was the milestone edition. Both course records fell. Fifteen “Founding Runners” who had completed every single edition since 2016 returned to the start line, among them Roanna Vining, whose best time came in 2025. More than 81% of participants travelled from outside Hawke’s Bay — a figure that speaks to how firmly the race has established itself as a destination event rather than a local race. For 2027, the 11th edition, the record times set in 2026 will stand as genuine targets for a front field that has grown steadily more competitive. Meanwhile, somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 people across four distances will make the trip to Hawke’s Bay simply because this is one of those races you do not forget.
FatMarathoner Verdict
The Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon is the rare race that delivers on every promise it makes. The course is genuinely flat and the terrain is genuinely varied. The scenery genuinely changes. And the finish line is genuinely one of the most enjoyable places to spend the rest of your Saturday in New Zealand. It is a PB-capable course for disciplined runners and an outstanding experience for everyone else.
The one thing this guide keeps coming back to is the coastal wind, and that is deliberate. Every other challenge on this course is visible on a map or an elevation chart. The wind is not. It is the variable that turns a comfortable first half into a difficult second half for runners who did not account for it. Go out controlled, find a group for the exposed coastal section and run your race from Waitangi Park south. Do that and you will cross the Elephant Hill finish line with energy left to enjoy what comes next — and what comes next at Hawke’s Bay is genuinely worth having energy for.
Recommended for: PB seekers, first-time marathon runners ready for a destination event, runners chasing the Runaway MVP series, couples and groups looking for a race weekend with substance beyond the race itself, and anyone who has not yet visited Hawke’s Bay and needs a reason to go.
FatMarathoner Rating: 9/10
How the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon Compares
| Race | When | Profile | Field Size | Finish Line Vibe | PB Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runaway Hawke’s Bay (NZ) | May | Flat, mixed (road + limestone trail) | ~8,000 (all distances) | Winery festival ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High (wind variable) |
| Queenstown Marathon (NZ) | November | Undulating, trails and roads, stunning alpine scenery | ~10,000 | Lakeside town ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low (significant hills) |
| Runaway Auckland Marathon (NZ) | November | Mostly flat, bridge, urban city course | ~20,000+ | City finish ⭐⭐⭐ | High |
| Rotorua Marathon (NZ) | April / May | Undulating, lakeside and forest roads | ~5,000 | Geothermal town ⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate |
| Gold Coast Marathon (AUS) | July | Flat, sea-level, out-and-back | ~30,000 | Surfers Paradise ⭐⭐⭐ | Very High (fastest course in Oceania) |
| Runaway Noosa Marathon (AUS) | May | Mostly flat, coastal trails and roads | ~5,000 | Beach resort town ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate-High |
Frequently Asked Questions — Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon 2027
What time does the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon start in 2027?
The marathon starts at 8:20am NZST on Saturday 15 May 2027, from Anderson Park, York Avenue, Greenmeadows, Napier. The half marathon starts at 8:00am from Marine Parade in Napier and the 10km starts at 7:30am from Evers-Swindell Reserve in Clive. All distances finish at Elephant Hill Estate and Winery.
Is the Hawke’s Bay Marathon course flat and fast?
Yes — the Hawke’s Bay Marathon course is flat with no significant elevation gain. The surface alternates between sealed road and hard-packed limestone Hawke’s Bay cycle trails (approximately 50/50 split). It is a genuine PB-capable course for recreational runners. The main variable is the coastal headwind along the Napier waterfront and southern coastal stretch, which is not reflected in the elevation profile but can meaningfully affect your pace and effort in the middle section of the race.
Do I have to attend Athlete Check-In before the Hawke’s Bay Marathon?
Yes — Athlete Check-In is mandatory for all participants across all distances. Check-In is on Friday 14 May 2027 at the Napier War Memorial Centre, 48 Marine Parade, from 10:00am to 9:00pm. You need your QR code from your confirmation email. A friend or family member can collect your bib if you provide them your QR code. Limited late entries may be available at Check-In on the day, subject to availability.
What is the course cut-off time for the Hawke’s Bay Marathon?
The course officially closes at 4:00pm on race day (approximately 7 hours 40 minutes from the 8:20am start). There is also an intermediate cut-off: runners must reach Brookfield’s Bridge at the 15km mark by 10:45am. Runners who do not make this intermediate cut are not permitted to continue due to road reopening requirements. Runners who miss the final cut at 4:00pm will not have an official finish time recorded.
How do I get to the Hawke’s Bay Marathon start and finish?
The marathon start is at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows, Napier (approximately 7km from central Napier). The finish is at Elephant Hill Estate and Winery in Te Awanga (approximately 35km south of Napier). Event shuttle buses run from Napier, Hastings and Havelock North to the start and from the finish back to town. Online shuttle tickets close 12 May 2027 — purchase via the Participant Dashboard. Tickets can also be bought at Athlete Check-In on Friday. Some runners drive to Anderson Park and take the shuttle home from Elephant Hill.
Can I transfer my Hawke’s Bay Marathon entry to a friend?
Yes. Entry transfers to another person are accepted up until 5:00pm on 14 May 2027. A transfer fee of NZD $27 (including all taxes) applies. The transfer must be initiated by the original registrant via the Participant Dashboard. Transfers are same-distance only — a marathon entry cannot be transferred as a half marathon entry. After 14 May, no transfers are possible. Athletes who have used a deferred entry, event credit or complimentary entry are not eligible for transfers or refunds.