Elite Runners
The Barfoot & Thompson Marathon and Garmin Half Marathon offer an Elite Athlete Program. Elite entries are limited and all approval decisions will be made at the discretion of the Event Organisers.
Elite applications open 10th February 2026 and must be completed by 20 September 2026. Successful applicants will be given;
- Complimentary entry
- Free race day transport to the start line (by current transport options on the website)
- Seeded race number and priority start
Aplications are now closed.
Conditions of Application
To be considered, elite applicants must have achieved the Elite Status criteria below in a previous race:
| MARATHON | HALF MARATHON | |
| MALE | 2 hours 30 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| FEMALE | 2 hours 55 minutes | 1 hour 25 minutes |
Merit Prize money is equal for men and women. Click here for prize money information.
*All prizes are in NZ dollars and those prizes above $500 are subject to 20% resident withholding tax.
*Please see waiver and release details regarding prizes when entering.
- All athletes must have run on a certified course since 1 January 2025
- Applications MUST be received by the 20 September 2026
- Athletes must have their own identification and correct documentation to enter and exit the country
- No letters of invitation or authorisation will be forwarded
NOTE: Applying for the Elite Athlete Program does not guarantee acceptance. This is an application only and does not guarantee acceptance. Applications received before 20 September 2026 will be notified by 28 September 2026 if they have been successful.
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.
