On 29 March 2026, the Waitārere Forest Run returns as a run–walk festival through the pine plantations just inland from the west coast, with distances of 21km, 10km, 5km and a 2km fun run to suit all ages and abilities. Starting from Forest Road, the routes head into the shelter of Waitārere Forest on a mix of hard-packed gravel forestry roads and wide, smooth trails, with a consistently flat profile that keeps the event accessible for walkers, families with buggies and newer runners, as well as those chasing a time. The half marathon follows an out-and-back style course deeper into the pines, while the shorter distances loop closer to the event base, all sharing the same quiet, car-free forest environment. A relaxed, community-focused event village with coffee, food and prizegiving rounds out the day, making it as much a social outing as a race.
Races
The 5 km race, also on Sunday 29 March 2026 from Forest Road, Waitārere Beach, is a short, beginner-friendly loop through the pine forest organised by Barefoot Sport as part of the Waitārere Forest Festival, ideal for families and newer runners who still want the full event-village atmosphere and finishers’ medal.
The 10 km event on 29 March 2026 is a single-loop forest run organised by Barefoot Sport from the Waitārere event village on Forest Road, a flat 10 km route on quiet forest roads and shaded trails that’s open to both runners and walkers.
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 29 March 2026, organised by Barefoot Sport as part of the Waitārere Forest Festival, starting from Forest Road, Waitārere Beach near Levin, New Zealand, and following a flat, out-and-back 21.1 km course on pine forest trails and hard-packed gravel roads.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
How long is the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
Where does the Waitārere Forest Run 5km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
How can I prepare for the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
The 5 km race, also on Sunday 29 March 2026 from Forest Road, Waitārere Beach, is a short, beginner-friendly loop through the pine forest organised by Barefoot Sport as part of the Waitārere Forest Festival, ideal for families and newer runners who still want the full event-village atmosphere and finishers’ medal.
The Waitārere Forest Run 5km is 5km long.
The Waitārere Forest Run 5km takes place in Waitārere, New Zealand.
The Waitārere Forest Run 5km elevation gain is 43 meters, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
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 Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
The 5 km race, also on Sunday 29 March 2026 from Forest Road, Waitārere Beach, is a short, beginner-friendly loop through the pine forest organised by Barefoot Sport as part of the Waitārere Forest Festival, ideal for families and newer runners who still want the full event-village atmosphere and finishers’ medal.
How long is the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
The Waitārere Forest Run 5km is 5km long.
Where does the Waitārere Forest Run 5km take place?
The Waitārere Forest Run 5km takes place in Waitārere, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Waitārere Forest Run 5km?
The Waitārere Forest Run 5km elevation gain is 43 meters, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the Waitārere Forest Run 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 Waitārere Forest Run 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 Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
How long is the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
Where does the Waitārere Forest Run 10km take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
How can I prepare for the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
The 10 km event on 29 March 2026 is a single-loop forest run organised by Barefoot Sport from the Waitārere event village on Forest Road, a flat 10 km route on quiet forest roads and shaded trails that’s open to both runners and walkers.
The Waitārere Forest Run 10km is 10km long.
The Waitārere Forest Run 10km takes place in Waitārere, New Zealand.
The Waitārere Forest Run 10km elevation gain is 92 meters, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
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 Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
The 10 km event on 29 March 2026 is a single-loop forest run organised by Barefoot Sport from the Waitārere event village on Forest Road, a flat 10 km route on quiet forest roads and shaded trails that’s open to both runners and walkers.
How long is the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
The Waitārere Forest Run 10km is 10km long.
Where does the Waitārere Forest Run 10km take place?
The Waitārere Forest Run 10km takes place in Waitārere, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
The Waitārere Forest Run 10km elevation gain is 92 meters, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
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 Waitārere Forest Run 10km?
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 Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
How long is the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
Where does the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 29 March 2026, organised by Barefoot Sport as part of the Waitārere Forest Festival, starting from Forest Road, Waitārere Beach near Levin, New Zealand, and following a flat, out-and-back 21.1 km course on pine forest trails and hard-packed gravel roads.
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon takes place in Waitārere, New Zealand.
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon elevation gain is 130 meters, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
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 Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 29 March 2026, organised by Barefoot Sport as part of the Waitārere Forest Festival, starting from Forest Road, Waitārere Beach near Levin, New Zealand, and following a flat, out-and-back 21.1 km course on pine forest trails and hard-packed gravel roads.
How long is the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon take place?
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon takes place in Waitārere, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon?
The Waitārere Forest Run Half Marathon elevation gain is 130 meters, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the Waitārere Forest Run 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 Waitārere Forest Run 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 Waitārere Forest Run or Barefoot Sport. 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 Waitārere Forest Run website.
