
The Hātea Grand Prix is a fun run/walk series taking place in Whangarei, culminating in its final event on 11 March 2026.
The course begins at the Tikipunga football club carpark and traverses the Tikipunga Sports Park, featuring a grass surface. Runners and walkers will follow a path along the Hātea River, which transitions into the Waitaua Stream before reaching Vinegar Hill Road, where participants will turn around to retrace their steps back to the start. The route is well-shaded by trees and offers a relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for a quick-paced run or leisurely walk in the summer evening.
Registration opens at 5.30pm, with the race commencing at 6pm. This event is timed, and participants earn points in their respective divisions throughout the series, encouraging them to achieve personal bests for additional bonus points.
Hātea Run Members can participate for free, while non-members are invited to make a $5 koha contribution. The atmosphere is community-oriented, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.