Half Marathon
scroll to: the course / info at a glance
EVENT DATE
SUNDAY, 18th OCTOBER 2026
START TIME
07:30 AM /Walkers + 3mins
EVENT DISTANCE
21.1KM
TIME LIMIT
3.5 HRS *
AGE LIMIT
>14 YEARS (on race day)
If half marathon is your thing then it doesn't get much better than this! Flat, fast and scenic, the Hibiscus Half Marathon ticks all the boxes for those looking to beat their pb or just get a solid tune up in ahead of the Auckland Marathon.
The Hibiscus Half extends the traditional Te Ara Tahuna loop with an extended out-and-back that goes all the way to the northern end of Orewa, crossing under the Hibiscus Coast Highway no less than four times. The Orewa section is almost entirely pancake flat and makes use of the recently completed Millenium Walkway, a stunning promenade which stretches for over a kilometre at the northen end of Orewa beach.
With only two weeks to go to the Auckland Marathon, this is also the ideal final hit-out oppertunity for those taking on the full distance.
The Course
The 21.1km half marathon course comprises the 10km course with an 11.1km loop of Orewa beachfront tacked on. The route is almost entirely flat with some very mild rollers on the Te Ara Tahuna walkway and one short, sharp climb near the 20km mark. The Orewa section includes four trips under the Hibiscus Coast Highway - two at the north end and two at the south - and the loop is completed with a thrilling run down the main highway, past the cafes and vocal support from the locals.
Once back onto the Te Ara Tahuna, there are two fun diversions. The "Race Track" section on Settlers Grove is an 800 metre timed preem with some fun prizes for those who can increase their average pace the most. Will you be able to lift your effort and claim a prize? Soon after, a more gentle and placid environment awaits with a lap around Maygroove Lake. Don't relax too much ... the finish line is just ahead!
HALF MARATHON
Race Info at a Glance
The Basics |
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|---|---|
| Race | HALF MARATHON |
| Race Distance | 21.1km |
| Event Date | Sunday, October 18th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 7:30am (Competitive Walkers @ +3mins) |
| Time Limit | 3.5 Hours * |
| Awards Ceremony | 11:00am (approx 30 mins duration) |
| Age Limit | Participants must be 14 years or older on race day |
| 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 |
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|---|---|
| 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 |
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|---|---|
| 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 | Pacers will attempt to guide particpants to achieve specified finish times in 10 minute increments from 1hr 30m to 2hr 20m. You can find out more information on them here. Important! Our pacers are experienced runners who volunteer who sacrifice their own race goals to help you achieve yours ... give them some love and appreciation. However, please be aware that pacers are succeptible to all the same ailments and pitfalls that you are. Whilst both they and we take every care to ensure a pacer will be present and run to the time advertised, we cannot guarantee it. |
| 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 | Public Toilets are available on course at the following locations: > 4.4km / Orewa SLSC > 5.3km / Moana Reserve > 7.3km / North Orewa > 11.2km / North Orewa > 12.3km / Moana Reserve > 13.2km / Orewa SLSC > 14.7km / Orewa Boat Ramp > 20.8km / Metro Park |
| Aid Stations | Aid Stations are located at: > 4.4km / Orewa SLSC > 8.6km / Landmark Terrace > 13.2km / Orewa SLSC > 14.7km / Orewa Boat Ramp > 18.4km / Kath Hopper Drive Stations will serve water and electrolyte drink. |
Awards & Results |
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|---|---|
| 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 > Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female in the Competitive Walk category |
| 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 | To be eligible to compete in the Competitive Walk category, you must: 1/ Be registered in the Competitive Walk category, 2/ Start on the Competitive Walk starting signal (normally 3 minutes after the main race start) 3/ Walk at all times whilst completing the race distance. Full details and information are available on our dedicated Walkers page. |
| 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 |
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|---|---|
| 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.