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Whitianga
Run Fest 2026
SPORTS INFOS — New Zealand's premier coastal running festival is back — original Whitianga course returns, Buffalo Beach finish, harbour and marina views, pohutukawa foreshore, school kids run FREE. 30 May 2026 · King's Birthday Weekend.
Results — 2026 GJ Gardner Whitianga Run Fest
Official results on SportSplits — Half Marathon 21km, 10km, 5km — Saturday 30 May 2026, Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga, Coromandel. Organiser: Element Events. Title sponsor: G.J. Gardner Homes Coromandel.
Results — SportSplits → 🌐 whitiangarunfest.co.nz →Whitianga — Coromandel's Coastal Crown Jewel
The 2026 GJ Gardner Homes Whitianga Run Fest returns to Whitianga on Saturday 30 May 2026 — King's Birthday Weekend — at the Buffalo Beach Reserve on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. Organised by Element Events (nick@elementevents.co.nz) and presented by G.J. Gardner Homes Coromandel, this is New Zealand's premier coastal running festival. The 2026 edition brings back the much-loved original Whitianga course — a return to classic coastal charm after previous course variations. Three distances, one stunning location: every runner and walker is welcome.
The courses are flat, fast, and single-lap — designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, whether you're chasing a personal best, tackling your first half marathon, or soaking up the Coromandel coastline with the family. Terrain is mainly road and footpath with some hard-packed trail. Routes wind along coastal paths, past the marina and harbour, through Whitianga's waterways, and finish at the vibrant Buffalo Beach. The long weekend setting makes it the perfect excuse to stay, explore and fall in love with the Coromandel.
«The 2026 edition sees the return of the much-loved original Whitianga course, showcasing classic coastal charm, smooth pathways, and a vibrant finish-line experience at Buffalo Beach. Perfectly timed for a long weekend escape, the Whitianga Run Fest encourages visitors to stay, explore, and enjoy everything the Coromandel has to offer — from beaches and cafes to outdoor adventures and local hospitality.» — thecoromandel.nz
🏃 Half Marathon — 21km 21KM PB COURSE
The signature distance. Single-lap coastal journey through beaches, the marina, the harbour, and the iconic Whitianga Waterways — finishing at Buffalo Beach. Flat, fast, and unforgettable. Terrain: road, footpath, hard-packed trail. «Explore Whitianga like never before with a coastal 21km journey.»
🏃 10km 10KM
The fan-favourite. Single-lap scenic loop delivering beachside beauty, marina views, and harbour pathways before cruising home to Buffalo Beach. The perfect distance for a solid challenge with epic coastal scenery at every step.
🏃🏫 5km 5KM SCHOOL KIDS FREE
Short, sweet, and packed with coastal magic. Starting at Buffalo Beach, runners cruise along the waterfront, dip under the bridge, weave through Whitianga's waterside paths and loop back to the finish. The ultimate family distance — and all Coromandel Peninsula school kids run for FREE thanks to G.J. Gardner Homes Coromandel!
🚁 Medal or Donation — You Choose
In 2026, every finisher can decide: receive your finisher medal as usual, or have the value of the medal donated to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. A meaningful way to celebrate crossing the finish line and give something back to a vital service. The choice is yours at registration.
Race Day Summary — Saturday 30 May 2026
| Distance / Event | Format · Terrain | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon 21km HALF PB FRIENDLY | 21km · Single lap | Beach, marina, harbour, Waterways, Buffalo Beach finish · Flat & fast · OG course! |
| 10km 10KM | 10km · Single loop | Beachside loop · Marina views · Harbour pathways · Buffalo Beach finish · Fan-favourite |
| 5km 5KM SCHOOL KIDS FREE | 5km · Buffalo Beach | Waterfront · bridge · Buffalo Beach foreshore · All ages & abilities welcome |
| School Kids Entry FREE GJ GARDNER | FREE entry | All Coromandel Peninsula school kids enter FREE — inspiring the next generation to move |
| Medal or Donation 🚁 | Finisher choice | Keep your finisher medal OR donate its value to Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust |
| King's Birthday Weekend LONG WEEKEND | Stay & explore | Make a weekend of it — beaches, cafes, outdoor adventures, Coromandel hospitality |