Race Day Info
Aid Stations
Athletes are well supported with aid stations located on course for all distances.
There will be 13 aid stations on the marathon course (8 of these also provide flat cola), 5 on the half marathon course, 3 on the 11km course and 1 on the 5km course. Please refer to course maps for aid station locations.
Aid stations will provide water, PURE Electrolyte Hydration, toilet facilities and first aid. For more information on PURE Electrolyte Hydration click here. The 2026 Barfoot & Thompson Runaway Auckland Marathon presented by ASICS will have PURE Electrolyte Lemon and PURE Electrolyte Superfruits on course.
Red Bull will have an aid station at the 8km mark for 11km runners and 18km mark for half marathon and marathon runners.
Gear Bag Drop
Drop Off: There will be a bag drop service available at the start area of each race, except the Barfoot & Thompson Kids Marathon.
What you can use: Please use your official event gear bag only (no sports bags or personal duffels). Attach the race number bag‑tag sticker you received at Athlete Check‑in before you arrive at bag drop.
Weather & Packing Tips: Gear bags are not stored under shelter so if rain is forecast, please place your items in a waterproof bag first, then put that inside your official event gear bag. This helps keep everything dry and protected.
Pick Up: Your bag will be transported to the finish line at Victoria Park, ready for you to collect after your race by showing your race bib. Please pick it up before 1:00pm on Sunday 1 November 2026. Any bags not collected will be donated to charity.
Important reminders: Make sure your bag‑tag sticker is attached before you drop your bag. Do not leave gear at the start line, at aid stations, or anywhere on the course. Anything left behind will be collected and donated.
Please note, bags are left at owner's risk. Whilst the upmost is done to ensure your bag is safe, the event organisers are not responsible for any lost bag and/or items.
Elite Personal Drinks
Elite Athletes entered into the marathon or half marathon may drop their personal drinks off to Athlete Check-in and have them delivered to their selected Aid Station/s.
Personal drinks must be clearly labelled and delivered to Athlete Check-in prior to 5:00pm on Saturday 31st October. Athletes are encouraged to mark bottles with a ribbon or colour for easy identification and may select which aid station personal drinks are delivered to.
No glass or metal bottles will be accepted.
Please note you will not receive your drinks bottle back, post race.
Entertainment
There will be loads of entertainment on-course to help you through the kms.
If you've got a band, cultural or entertainment group with lots of energy and are keen to motivate the 15,000+ runners and walkers on course, then please email aucklandmarathon@theironmangroup.com.
Applications close 3 October.
Pace Runners
There will be Pace Team Leaders for participants wanting to run a specific time.
Each Pace Team Leader will be wearing a helium balloon and a Pace time on the back of their t-shirts. There will be one person running as a Pace Team Leader targeting the following Pace Times:
| MARATHON | HALF MARATHON |
|---|---|
| 3:00 | 1:30 |
| 3:15 | 1:40 |
| 3:30 | 1:50 |
| 3:45 | 2:00 |
| 4:00 | 2:10 |
| 4:15 | 2:20 |
| 4:30 | |
| 4:45 | |
| 5:00 |
Please note Pace times depend on Pace Team Leader availability.
Race Rules
Event Exclusions
After careful consideration and in consultation with local authorities, due to health, safety and logistical concerns on the course, all forms of wheeled conveyance including but not limited to wheelchairs (excluding racing wheelchairs in the Barfoot & Thompson Wheelchair Division), cycles, rollerblades, prams/buggies, skateboards etc are not permitted to enter or participate in the Barfoot & Thompson Marathon, Garmin Half Marathon or 11km Traverse.
Accompanying animals are not allowed on the course.
Non-registered persons are not allowed to accompany participants in the event.
Health and Safety
In the interest of providing a safe and enjoyable event experience for all entrants please take into account the following;
- Keep to the left of the course to allow people to pass on the right
- Be courteous to your fellow participants at all times
- Please obey instructions from race officials, volunteers and traffic management at all times
- If you choose to wear earbuds or headphones, please turn off any active noise-cancelling function so you can hear verbal instructions and be alerted to hazards
Seeded Start Groups
In order to ensure a smooth and safe start for all athletes, seeded start groups will be in place at the start line of each race. Upon registering for the event, all entrants are asked to select the coloured start group that’s right for them based on their estimated finish time. At the start line, please follow signage and gather at your appropriate coloured start zone - your start group colour will be printed on your race bib. All walkers must start from the back to ensure runners are not hindered. Don’t worry, your time will only begin as you cross the start and finish line timing mats!
Timing
Timing mats will be located at all start lines and at the finish line. Additionally, Barfoot & Thompson Marathon, Garmin Half Marathon and 11km Traverse athletes will receive a split time every 5km, as well as at the bottom and top of the bridge.
Disposable timing chips are attached to the back of your race number and will record your time. Timing chips do not need to be returned.
All timing results will be published on the event website and race app.
Competition Rules
Runaway Auckland Marathon is run under Sport Integrity NZ Authority Comission and the competitive and administrative rules of Athletics New Zealand. Athletes should read and understand these rules and regulations prior to race day. Failure to adhere to these rules and regulations may result in disqualification from the event.
Spectator Info
To ensure your support crew, family and friends can see you out there on the event course and cheer you on, we have identified the best spectator viewing locations.
Click the link below to view the Spectator Map so you can familiarise yourself with the best way to get around the course and the access points for spectator locations.
SPECTATOR VIEWING locations MAP
Mobile App
The Barfoot & Thompson Runaway Auckland Marathon presented By ASICS App is a fantastic tool for both athletes and supporters. It includes key information on all that is happening at the event, including an athlete tracker so you can follow your friends. Download via your App store below.
EVENT HUB
Join us at the finish line area to relax in the surrounds of Victoria Park. Here you can see participants finish, soak up the event atmosphere and indulge food and beverage options. We have invited a variety of food truck vendors along to keep your full and hydrated throughout the day so you can sit back, relax and enjoy!
EVENT DAY ROAD CLOSURES
Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place for the event. More information can be found here.
