As part of the Fulton Hogan Mount Festival of Multisport, the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon 2026 sends runners on a stunning single-lap course around Mount Maunganui on 17 January 2026. Participants can choose between the 21 km half marathon, 10.5 km, or 5 km distances, all starting near Pilot Bay Beach and following flat, fast tarmac along Marine Parade, Oceanbeach Road and back via the base track of Mauao. The route mixes smooth shoreline roads with sections of firm path, showcasing some of New Zealand’s most iconic seaside scenery while still being accessible to beginners and families. With generous on-course aid stations and a festival atmosphere shared with the Tauranga Half triathlon, it’s a must-do summer race for both local runners and visiting athletes.
Races
The 5K race on Saturday, 17 January 2026 begins by the water at Pilot Bay and loops around the base track of Mauao before returning to the finish chute, again organised by Mount Festival / SMC Events. Short, scenic and fully part of the festival atmosphere, it’s a family-friendly option that still lets runners sample the famous Mount Maunganui boardwalk and trails.
Also on 17 January 2026, the 10.5K event starts on The Mall at Pilot Bay and follows Marine Parade to a clearly marked turnaround near Tay Street, under the same Mount Festival / SMC Events organisation. With its out-and-back design and finish along the waterfront, this distance delivers a solid mid-length challenge on smooth, mostly flat coastal roads.
On Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon (21.1 km) sets off from Pilot Bay Beach, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, organised by Mount Festival / SMC Events. The one-lap course runs along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road before looping around the base of Mauao, offering a flat, fast seaside route that shares sections with the iconic Tauranga Half triathlon.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
How long is the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
Where does the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
How can I prepare for the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
The 5K race on Saturday, 17 January 2026 begins by the water at Pilot Bay and loops around the base track of Mauao before returning to the finish chute, again organised by Mount Festival / SMC Events. Short, scenic and fully part of the festival atmosphere, it’s a family-friendly option that still lets runners sample the famous Mount Maunganui boardwalk and trails.
The Waitoa Mount Festival 5km is 5km long.
The Waitoa Mount Festival 5km takes place in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Runna classifies the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
The 5K race on Saturday, 17 January 2026 begins by the water at Pilot Bay and loops around the base track of Mauao before returning to the finish chute, again organised by Mount Festival / SMC Events. Short, scenic and fully part of the festival atmosphere, it’s a family-friendly option that still lets runners sample the famous Mount Maunganui boardwalk and trails.
How long is the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
The Waitoa Mount Festival 5km is 5km long.
Where does the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km take place?
The Waitoa Mount Festival 5km takes place in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
Runna classifies the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitoa Mount Festival 5km?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
How long is the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
Where does the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
How can I prepare for the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
Also on 17 January 2026, the 10.5K event starts on The Mall at Pilot Bay and follows Marine Parade to a clearly marked turnaround near Tay Street, under the same Mount Festival / SMC Events organisation. With its out-and-back design and finish along the waterfront, this distance delivers a solid mid-length challenge on smooth, mostly flat coastal roads.
The Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km is 10km long.
The Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km takes place in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Runna classifies the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
Also on 17 January 2026, the 10.5K event starts on The Mall at Pilot Bay and follows Marine Parade to a clearly marked turnaround near Tay Street, under the same Mount Festival / SMC Events organisation. With its out-and-back design and finish along the waterfront, this distance delivers a solid mid-length challenge on smooth, mostly flat coastal roads.
How long is the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
The Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km is 10km long.
Where does the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km take place?
The Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km takes place in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
Runna classifies the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitoa Mount Festival 10.5km?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
How long is the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
Where does the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
On Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon (21.1 km) sets off from Pilot Bay Beach, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, organised by Mount Festival / SMC Events. The one-lap course runs along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road before looping around the base of Mauao, offering a flat, fast seaside route that shares sections with the iconic Tauranga Half triathlon.
The Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon takes place in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Runna classifies the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
On Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon (21.1 km) sets off from Pilot Bay Beach, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, organised by Mount Festival / SMC Events. The one-lap course runs along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road before looping around the base of Mauao, offering a flat, fast seaside route that shares sections with the iconic Tauranga Half triathlon.
How long is the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
The Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon take place?
The Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon takes place in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon or Mount Festival of Multisport. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Waitoa Mount Festival Half Marathon website.
