Four million people live in New Zealand, whose capital is Wellington City.
Most cities in New Zealand are located directly on the coast. Accordingly, there are also many sporting events here that are held right next to the sea.
Despite its small population, New Zealand is quite a successful sports nation. Especially in rugby, netball and cricket the national team of New Zealand is hard to beat. But water sports, such as sailing and surfing, are also among the strengths of the country's athletes. But winter sports are also possible in New Zealand. For example, there are always skiers from this country who even qualify for international championships. Several professionals from Europe even use the slopes in New Zealand in the summer to prepare for the upcoming ski season.
The biggest running events in New Zealand
The range of running events in New Zealand is very diverse: city marathons, landscape runs and even ultra trails are possible here. Also very well booked are, unsurprisingly, triathlons.
The most famous running event is the ASB Auckland Marathon, which is held every autumn in New Zealand's largest city. Here you can choose from a total of four different running events, up to and including the marathon. The course leads past numerous sights, such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, St Helier's Bay and Victoria Park. Several thousand runners take part in the race.
The complete opposite of the Auckland Marathon is the Tarawera Ultra Marathon. Around 2,000 athletes compete in this trail run, making it one of the most sought-after races of its kind in the world. The longest run has a distance of a whopping 100 miles. On the trails of the Tarawera Ultra Marathon you can even collect points for the UTMB. Several runners travel here from Asia, USA and Australia to the impressive trail, which has been held since 2009.
Triathlons in New Zealand
Due to its many long coasts, the country is of course perfectly suited for triathlon events. Thus, the two major triathlon series of IRONMAN and CHALLENGE make an annual stop here. In February the Challenge Wanaka (middle distance) is held, followed in March by the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand in Taupo. Taupo will also host another IRONMAN middle-distance triathlon towards the end of the year.
All Running Races in New Zealand (sorted by date) can be found in the following overview:
Running competitions 2026 in New Zealand
Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon
 | 21.02.2026 ✔ |
| |
 | Glenorchy |
 | 42 km (2.500 Hm) / 30 km / 21 km / 10 km / 5 km |
Go to the running calendar New Zealand
More sports in New Zealand:
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