New Zealand · Road marathon · 42.195 km
Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Rotorua Marathon is a road circuit of Lake Rotorua with a history stretching back to 1965. For 2027, runners go anti-clockwise for the first time in more than fifty years, returning to the original direction. Regulars may therefore find the scenery arriving in an unfamiliar order. The lakefront event village sits beside Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. Entry is through the organiser’s Race Roster page; check the final guide, as the timetable lists an 8am start while some course details remain under revision.
AthRecs race guide · Updated
Upcoming dates
Planning your race weekend? These are the announced dates through 2027. Follow the organiser’s link for the latest date and race-day details. All dates and start times are local.
At a glance
- City / location
- Rotorua
- Region
- Bay of Plenty
- Distance
- 42.195 kilometres / 26.2 miles
- Surface
- Road
- Course profile
- Lake circuit with changes of elevation
- Approximate field
- Around 900Finishers · 2026
MarathonView lists 865 full-marathon finishers in 2026, using SportSplits results. Shorter races and relay teams are separate.
How to enter Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
These are the organiser’s entry routes. Check the linked page for the edition, opening dates, eligibility, fees and current availability.
General entry
Enter the 2027 full marathon through the organiser's Race Roster registration. Walkers may participate, but the organiser no longer offers separate walking merit results or awards.
Official entry informationRoute and course
One anti-clockwise lap of Lake Rotorua in 2027, with a lakefront start area and finish outside Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
Race-day planning
Check which edition each detail applies to before making your plans. Follow the linked instructions for the latest arrangements.
- Minimum age
- 18 on race day. Minimum age information
- Published 2027 start
- The timetable lists 8:00am on Hinemaru Street. The marathon course page still has some details marked coming soon, so confirm the final event guide. Published 2027 start information
Past races and results
Official results archiveOpen the organiser’s results to find a runner, club or published category standing. At festivals with several distances, select the marathon results.
2026 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Full 2026 resultsThe 62nd edition's official timing summary separates the open marathon and NZ Masters Marathon Championships. Gun and net times are both published.
Men
Daniel Balchin won in 2:19:32 gun and net time (bib 1759).
View result detailsWomen
Bara Styblova won in 2:43:45 gun time, 2:43:44 net (bib 832).
View result detailsNZ Masters Marathon Championships — men
Daniel Balchin led the published masters championship classification in 2:19:32 gun time (bib 1759).
View result detailsNZ Masters Marathon Championships — women
Kate Macdonald led the published masters championship classification in 3:04:17 gun time, 3:04:14 net (bib 1737).
View result details2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Full 2025 resultsDaniel Balchin and Billie Haresnape led the full-marathon results. The timing provider publishes a separate New Zealand Marathon Champs classification, which should not be confused with the open race.
Men
Daniel Balchin placed first in 2:24:41 gun and net time (bib 4911).
View result detailsWomen
Billie Haresnape placed first in 3:03:49 gun and net time (bib 5228).
View result detailsNew Zealand Marathon Champs — men
The provider's separate championship table is led by Rodwyn Isaacs in 2:28:48 (bib 5398).
View result detailsNew Zealand Marathon Champs — women
The provider's separate championship table is led by Rachel O'Brien in 3:04:31 (bib 5363).
View result details2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Full 2024 resultsThe 60th anniversary edition also hosted the New Zealand Marathon Championships. Michael Voss won a close men's race; Debbie Donald retained her national title.
Men
Michael Voss won in 2:23:48 and also took the New Zealand title.
View result detailsWomen
Debbie Donald won in 2:46:30 and retained the New Zealand title.
View result detailsRace news, photos and video
Common questions
When is Red Stag Rotorua Marathon?
Confirmed upcoming dates: 1 May 2027. Dates are local to the race.
How do I enter Red Stag Rotorua Marathon?
General entry: Enter the 2027 full marathon through the organiser's Race Roster registration. Walkers may participate, but the organiser no longer offers separate walking merit results or awards.
Where is Red Stag Rotorua Marathon and how far is it?
Red Stag Rotorua Marathon takes place in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. This guide covers the 42.195 km full marathon (26.2 miles). Surface: Road
What is the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon course like?
One anti-clockwise lap of Lake Rotorua in 2027, with a lakefront start area and finish outside Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. Lake circuit with changes of elevation
How big is the field at Red Stag Rotorua Marathon?
The approximate field is Around 900, based on Finishers for 2026. MarathonView lists 865 full-marathon finishers in 2026, using SportSplits results. Shorter races and relay teams are separate. Entrants, starters and finishers are different measures.
Where can I find past Red Stag Rotorua Marathon results?
The past races and results section links to the organiser’s results. Select the distance and edition for participant searches and published category standings.
Sources and race information
AthRecs is independent of the race organiser. This guide brings together the linked race information, results and reports. Source review: . Historical details are labelled by edition; current entry availability and final instructions remain with the organiser.
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