Triathlon
TriathlonNew Zealand
IRONMAN New Zealand
Taupō, Bay of Plenty·Date to be confirmed
The southern hemisphere's oldest IRONMAN, raced on the shores of Lake Taupō.
RunningNew Zealand
Auckland Marathon
Auckland, Auckland·Date to be confirmed·Marathon / Half Marathon / 12 km / 5 km / Kids Marathon
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Usually Held
🗓 Late October / Early November
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
Marathon · Half Marathon · 12 km · 5 km · Kids Marathon
Course Type
Road
Difficulty
Intermediate
Entries
Date to be confirmed
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: 16 Week Marathon Build.
- ✔Second marathon
- ✔PB attempt
- ✔Destination racing
Overview
The event.
The Auckland Marathon is New Zealand's largest marathon and one of only a handful of races in the world that gets to cross a major harbour bridge on foot. Runners start on the North Shore in Devonport, traverse the Auckland Harbour Bridge in the first 10km, and continue along Tamaki Drive and the eastern bays before finishing in Victoria Park in the CBD. The course is scenic, spectator-friendly and just hilly enough to keep it honest.
Big city, sunrise over the harbour, and the surreal experience of running the Harbour Bridge as it briefly closes to traffic.
Who it suitsMarathoners of all levels — a strong choice for a second marathon or a first international destination race.
Distances
Marathon
Half Marathon
12 km
5 km
Kids Marathon
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Course profile
- Rolling with one significant climb over the Harbour Bridge. Around 220m total elevation.
- Surface
- Sealed road, closed to traffic.
- Elevation
- To be confirmed
- Aid stations
- Every 3km with water, sports drink and gels.
- Expected conditions
- Late spring — 10–19°C, occasional coastal wind.
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 10–19°C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Light–moderate coastal
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- TBC
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
16 weeks with a moderate hill component.
Long sessions
Long runs to 32–35km including 300–500m of climbing.
Strength training
Weekly single-leg and glute strength.
Recovery
One rest, one easy day per week.
Course-specific prep
Practise a controlled 4% climb over 1–2km to simulate the Harbour Bridge.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse gels and sports drink every long run.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long run with rolling terrain
- — Threshold reps
- — Marathon-pace tempo
- — 2 easy runs
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Auckland Airport (AKL). SkyDrive shuttles or a rental car to the CBD.
Accommodation
Stay in Devonport (start line) or the CBD (finish line). Ferries connect the two.
Packet collection
Race expo Thursday to Saturday at Shed 10 on Auckland waterfront.
Parking
Not recommended — use ferries and buses.
Public transport
Free event ferries and buses to the start line on race morning.
Weather
Mild but variable — bring a throwaway warm top.
What to pack
Bib, gels, warm layer, ferry ticket, sunglasses.
Nutrition
Book a Saturday-night pasta dinner near your hotel.
Recovery
Wander Viaduct Harbour or take an easy ferry to Waiheke Island.
Local cafés
Ozone Coffee Roasters or Amano for post-race brunch.
After the race
Stay for Waiheke wineries, Rangitoto Island or the Bay of Islands.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Do runners cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge?+
Yes — the marathon and half marathon both cross the Harbour Bridge in the first 10km. It is the only day of the year the bridge is open to runners.
How hilly is the course?+
Rolling with one significant climb over the Harbour Bridge — around 220m of total elevation.
When is Auckland Marathon?+
Late October or early November — check the official event website for the confirmed 2026 date.
Is there a half marathon?+
Yes, plus a 12km, 5km and Kids Marathon.
How do I get to the start line?+
Free event ferries and buses run from central Auckland to the Devonport start on race morning.
Col de Sud Coaching
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
Related Events
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Alpine half and full-distance racing in the Southern Lakes.
Running
RunningAustralia
Gold Coast Marathon
Gold Coast, Queensland·Date to be confirmed
Fast, flat coastal marathon on the Gold Coast — famous for personal bests and IAAF Gold Label status.
Marathon · Half Marathon · 10 km · 5.7 km Challenge · Junior Dash 4 km · Junior Dash 2 km
Last details checked: November 2025