The Red Stag Rotorua Marathon features a course that encapsulates the natural beauty of Rotorua, starting and finishing by the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. This event showcases diverse local landscapes, from lakefront views to geothermal wonders.
Participants in the full marathon experience a comprehensive tour of Rotorua’s scenic highlights, making a loop that is visually spectacular and physically challenging. The half marathon, starting from Whangamarino School, follows the latter half of the marathon course, offering a condensed version of the scenic experience with a focus on Lake Rotoiti’s tranquil surroundings.
For those preferring shorter distances, the 10km event starts at Te Puia, leading runners through a route enriched with geothermal activity, including a close pass by the active Pōhutu Geyser. The course then winds through the lush Whakarewarewa Forest and concludes with a stretch across pedestrian walkways to the lakefront. The 5km event combines both road and trail elements, featuring a unique section through geothermal areas near the Government Gardens, adding an educational and visually engaging aspect to the run.
The event is well-known for its community involvement and the spirit of inclusivity, appealing to a wide range of participants from competitive runners to casual walkers, enhancing the cultural fabric of the Rotorua running community.
