2k Kids’ Dash
scroll to: the course / info at a glance
EVENT DATE
SUNDAY, 18th OCTOBER 2026
START TIME
10:30 AM
EVENT DISTANCE
2KM
TIME LIMIT
30 MINS
AGE LIMIT
>3-10 yrs (as at 27/09/2026)
Kids ... start your engines! What a great course for the kids' dash with all the thrill of starting under the same arch as the adults and charging along the concrete footpaths all within the safety and security of Metro Park.
The kids tear off around the boundary footpath and make a wide bend as they head towards the hockey pitch. Just around the far side of the hockey fields, they'll find the turnaround point - what? we're half way already???. All that's left now is to charge all the way back to the start line, run under the start arch and turn into the finish chute. Yeah boi!
Every kid receives their own finisher medal - just like the adults! - and will accrue points in the season-long Auckland Half Marathon Series. Kids are also eligible for their own special set of spot prizes in the draw so kids - make sure mum and dad don't leave early!
The Course
The kid's course takes places entirely within the confines of Metro Park and is very safe and secure. Kids only need to make two left hand curves before they reach the turnaround point - pretty hard to get lost on this one! From the turnaround point, they will retrace their steps all the way back to the starting point. Passing under the start arch for the second time, the turn into the finish chute is up ahead and glory awaits!
2K KIDS DASH
Race Info at a Glance
The Basics |
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|---|---|
| Race | 2K KIDS DASH |
| Race Distance | 2km |
| Event Date | Sunday, October 18th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 10:30am |
| Time Limit | 30 Minutes * |
| Awards Ceremony | 11:00am (approx 30 mins duration) |
| Age Limit | Kids must be aged 3-10 years as at 27/09/2026. |
| 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 | There are no pacers in the 2k. |
| 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 2k course. |
| Aid Stations | There are no aid stations on the 2k course. |
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 Boys & Top 3 Girls aged 3 - 7 > Top 3 Boys & Top 3 Girls aged 8 - 10 Age groups for this race and throughout the Auckland Half Marathon Series will be based on age as at 27/09/2026. We believe this is the fairest way to ensure all kids can compete and take part together in a consistent way throughout the series. This method is typical of junior athletics competitions. |
| 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 2k. |
| 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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|---|---|
| Parents/Guardians | Parents or guardians are very welcome to accompany their child and you do not need to register to do this. We respectfully ask that parents/guardians observe the following rules: > only one accompanying adult per child > please start towards the back of the field > please be especially mindful of the other kids taking part around you |
| 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. ParENTS/GUARDIANS have PRIMARY responsibility for the safety OF THEIR CHILDREN IN THIS EVENT. |
* 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.