Course Map
About this Race
The Wellington Marathon is a flat course along the harbour and waterfront of the New Zealand capital, tracing the scenic bays on largely level roads. The flat profile is fast on paper, but the city's famous wind is the defining variable on the exposed coastal stretches. Held in a cool window, it offers crisp conditions for racing. The harbour scenery defines the day. It suits runners who want a flat, scenic Kiwi capital race and are ready to contend with the wind over a guaranteed fast time.
Course Insight
Wellington is flat-ish on paper but defined by wind, since New Zealand's capital is famously the windy city and gusts off the harbour can dominate the day. Pace for the wind rather than a still-air split and tuck into a pack when exposed. The harbourfront setting is scenic. Cool conditions otherwise suit racing. Respect the gusts and run within yourself, and the course stays manageable.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 39m
- Elevation loss
- 33m
- Highest point
- 11m
- Lowest point
- 2m
- Net elevation
- +6m
- Start
- Starts and finishes on the Fran Wilde Walkway at Hnry Stadium.
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Wellington Marathon is a flat course along the harbour and waterfront of the New Zealand capital, tracing the scenic bays on largely level roads. Its flat profile, with the city's famous wind the defining variable, gave it character. Over the years it drew a steady field to the harbour route. It remains a flat, scenic Kiwi capital race where the wind sets the challenge.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Wellington (WLG)
- Best area to stay
- The CBD waterfront for proximity to the route and full hotels, Te Aro for trendy, characterful stays, and Oriental Bay for scenic seaside options.
- Getting to the start
- The course centres on the harbour/waterfront; take a train or the official transport to the start, with the finish on the waterfront.