Running Events, organisers of the Auckland Half Marathon Series have revealed plans for a thrilling new course for the event that was previously known as Run Orewa. Now christened Harcourts Cooper & Co Hibiscus Half Marathon, the event will remain based at Metro Park in Millwater and stay on the same mid-October weekend, but with an exciting new single-lap half marathon course which takes in the full Orewa beach front experience.
“It wasn’t as easy decision to move on from the North Shore Run Series,” said Race Director Rob Docherty. “But we could not be more thrilled to now reveal the fabulous new course and upgrades we are able to bring as Run Orewa evolves into the Hibiscus Half Marathon.”
The new course maintains the traditional lap of the Te Ara Tahuna walkway, but adds two exciting new variations with a timed “Race Track” section and a scenic detour around placid Maygrove Lake.
Then, rather than just add on another lap for half marathoners, the 21.1km course will embard on a thrilling and scenic tour of downtown Orewa, making full use of the just completed Millenium Walkway on the beachfront and passing under the Hibiscus Coast Highway at both ends of the strip. The return route south to rejoin the Te Ara Tahuna will utilise a partially-closed Hibiscus Coast Highway and take participants right past Orewa’s café and restaurant district, where vocal support from the locals is assured.
Realty behemoth Harcourts Cooper & Co have stepped in as title sponsor of the new event, maintaining their strong ties to the area and continuing their involvement since Run Orewa was minted in 2021.
Falling three weeks after the AHMS opening round, Devonport Half Marathon, the all-new Harcourts Cooper & Co Hibiscus Half Marathon is sure to be a hit with the enormous coaster running community and the wider fitness fans of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Harcourts Cooper & Co Hibiscus Half Marathon will take place on 18th October 2026 at Metro Park, Millwater. Tickets are on sale now at hibiscus.werun.nz.