Overview
The Hawke's Bay Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on a scenic coastal road in Napier, New Zealand. Wine country and autumn weather make it one of New Zealand's most appealing destination marathons. The route passes vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery. Vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery combine with autumn weather to make May's Napier race one of New Zealand's most appealing destination marathons.
Hawke's Bay Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Hawke's Bay Marathon 2027 race day
The next Hawke's Bay Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Hawke's Bay Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Hawke's Bay race venues around Napier and Hastings. The route passes vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Hawke's Bay Marathon elevation profile
The Hawke's Bay Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Hawke's Bay Marathon uses open online registration at hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Hawke's Bay Marathon elevation profile?
- The Hawke's Bay Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Hawke's Bay Marathon?
- The Hawke's Bay Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing in Hawke's Bay race venues around Napier and Hastings.
- What time does the Hawke's Bay Marathon start?
- The 2027 Hawke's Bay Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Hawke's Bay Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Hawke's Bay race venues around Napier and Hastings. Updated course maps are published at https://hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz/ each year.
- When is the Hawke's Bay Marathon and how do I register?
- Hawke's Bay Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://hawkesbaymarathon.co.nz/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Hawke's Bay Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Hawke's Bay Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Hawke's Bay Marathon pass?
- The route passes vineyards, orchard country, and coastal Hawke's Bay scenery.
- What weather should runners expect at Hawke's Bay Marathon?
- Usually cool and calm with crisp fall air.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
