5k Fun Run & Walk
scroll to: the course / info at a glance
EVENT DATE
SUNDAY, 18th OCTOBER 2026
START TIME
09:30 AM
EVENT DISTANCE
5KM
TIME LIMIT
90 MINS
AGE LIMIT
>N/A (all ages)
The 5k distance at the Hibiscus Half Marathon is the perfect intro for those just getting into running or walking ... plus the perfect stepping stone for our younger athletes looking to step up from the Kids' Dash.
Our 5k course takes in the beautiful Te Ara Tahuna walkway with estuary views and a whole bag of footbridges to cross, keeping things interesting throughout. Once you reach the turnaround point, it's hell-for-leather back to Metro Park for your glorious finish. Get those arms in the air!
Remember that a finish time ... any finish time ... earns you that all-important finisher medal and more points on your tally for the Auckland Half Marathon Series.
The Course
The 5k is a super-fast and flat out-and-back course which closely matches the Millwater parkrun, one of the fastest parkruns in the country. Starting under the big arch in Metro Park, follow the concrete path around the hockey field and over the pedestrian bridge at the end of Longmore Lane. On the other side, the concrete path continues around the coast with beautiful estuary views. Before you even know it, you'll be at the turnaround point and heading back to Metro Park. Continue on under the start arch and make a sharp left turn for your glorious and triumphant run into the finish. Onya!
5K FUN RUN & WALK
Race Info at a Glance
The Basics |
|
|---|---|
| Race | 5K FUN RUN & WALK |
| Race Distance | 5km |
| Event Date | Sunday, October 18th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 9:30am |
| Time Limit | 90 Minutes * |
| Awards Ceremony | 11:00am (approx 30 mins duration) |
| Age Limit | This race is open to all ages. |
| Tickets & Fees | See the enter page |
| Race Number Collection | AHMS Series Pass entrants will receive race numbers by courier one week prior to the first event. All other entrants must collect their race number at the Event Venue from 2pm - 4pm on Saturday (the day before the event) or from 6am on race morning. |
| Race Rules | See our general Competition Rules here. |
Event Base |
|
|---|---|
| Location | Metro Park, Millwater. Google locators: [start line pin] [finish line pin] |
| Access & Parking | See the dedicated Traffic & Transport page. |
| Refuelling Station | All race finishers will receive a banana or snack bar when they cross the line. Water and electrolyte/sport drink will be available from the Refuelling station outside of the finish chute. |
| Toilets | A large number of event portaloos will be located next to the public toilet and changing rooms on the North-West corner of Metro Park (near Millwater Parkway/Vivian Road junction). |
On Course |
|
|---|---|
| Course Map | See Course Maps & Descriptions |
| Directions | Look out for our directional arrows at all turns and intersections. These will either be a white arrow on a blue circle or - for more detailed instructions - a yellow sandwich board setup on the road. Marshals are also present at all changes of direction. |
| Pacers | There are no pacers in the 5k. |
| Pedestrians & Dogs | Please be respectful of the public and always look out for members of the public attempting to cross the road in front of runners. Unfortunately, non-runners often misjudge how quickly participants are moving. Friendly, well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome at the event venue however participants must not be accompanied by pets. |
| Toilets | There are no toilets on the 5k course. |
| Aid Stations | There are no aid stations on the 5k course. |
Awards & Results |
|
|---|---|
| Results | Results will be updated live throughout the event - see the Results page for links. Scan the QR code on your race number to be taken directly to your personal result page. This link will provide live real-time results and progress reports on race day. Please share it with your friends and family. |
| Scoring | In the spirit of athletic competition, awards will be given based on positions across the finish line (a.k.a. "gun time"). However, online results will show - and be ranked upon - the actual time taken between start and finish line (a.k.a. "net time"). |
| Merit Awards | Trophies will be awarded as follows: > Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female overall |
| Participation Awards | All finishers receive a beautiful Hibiscus Half Marathon finisher medal. See previous medals here. An in-person finish at this event also counts toward the Auckland Half Marathon Series Grand Slam Medal & Halo. |
| Competitive Walkers | There is no Competitive Walk competition in the 5k. |
| Virtual Event | Couldn't make it to the event on race day? You can still record a finish time and earn yourself a finisher medal by completing the event virtually. Carefully read and adhere to the instructions on our dedicated Virtual Events page. |
Safety |
|
|---|---|
| On Course | You must always remain fully aware of your surroundings and look out for uneven surfaces, obstacles or vehicles. Even where the road is closed, we cannot guarantee it will be traffic-free. Only proceed where you are satisfied it is safe to do so. |
| Medics | Medical services will be provided by an appropriately licensed medical provider who will be available on-site and available to attend emergencies on course. In the case of an emergency, marshals or race crew *may* contact the on-site medical team in the first instance as they may be able to respond sooner than 111. Important! If in any doubt, where there is a medical emergency, ask someone to call 111. |
| Marshals | Please obey the marshals where they are acting for your safety. Marshals can make emergency calls on your behalf or contact event medical staff. Important! Event marshals are provided by third-party organisations. They are volunteers and should be treated with respect, however they do not speak on behalf of the event organiser. Whilst provided with appropriate and accurate information, we cannot guarantee they will always communicate this. Participants have PRIMARY responsibility for their own safety. |
* Traffic Management, marshals, aid stations and on-course signage may be stood down according to the schedule required to meet the official cut off time. However, the event finish line will normally remain open until at least 30 minutes (and normally much longer) after the official cut off. All participants presenting themselves at the finish line whilst the event team are still on site will have their finish time recorded and a finisher medal awarded provided they have completed the entire course.