FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(aka everything you’re wondering but were too busy training to ask)
🏃♂️ EVENT BASICS
It’s not your average run… it’s FIVE of them 😏
Across two epic days, you can take on one race, a couple, or go full legend mode and complete all five (yep, that adds up to a marathon).
We’re talking coastline, trails, parks, hills — all the good stuff packed into one unforgettable weekend.
📅 14-15 November 2026
Clear your schedule — it’s two days of running, views, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Right here in New Plymouth 🙌
Think stunning coastline, lush parks, and the mighty maunga casually watching you push your limits.
Absolutely not 😅
Run one, run a few, or go all-in for legend status. This event is built so everyone can get amongst it.
Run your way.
Of course 👍
Run it, walk it, shuffle it — however you get it done, it counts.
You don’t need to be super fit — you just need to pick something that matches where you’re at 👍
If you’re doing one event, choose a distance you feel comfortable covering (running or walking).
If you’re taking on all five, it’s less about speed and more about time on your feet. Being used to moving for longer periods — whether that’s walking, running, or a mix of both — will make all the difference.
🎟️ ENTRIES & REGISTRATION
Easy as. Jump online, pick your race (or races 👀), and lock it in. Future you will either thank you… or question your decisions halfway up a hill.
Yep — nice and easy 🙌
Just log back into your registration via the Race Roster portal and you can switch to another race.
There’s a window to make changes, so don’t leave it until the last-minute panic kicks in 😅 For all the fine print and key dates, check out the entry policies.
Life happens — we get it 💛
When you enter, we highly recommend adding Race Roster’s refund protection. It’s your safety net if plans change unexpectedly.
If you didn’t grab that option, you can still check out the entry policies for info on transfer options and key dates — just don’t leave it too late.
Anywhere from 2 to 5 people 👍
Split the races however you like — double up if you want, share the load if you don’t.
Your team, your strategy.
There are minimum ages for each race, mainly for safety 👍
But we also know some young runners are well up for the challenge. If that’s you, flick us a message — if they’ve got the experience, we’re open to it.
Registration (aka race pack collection) will be at TSB Stadium from 12pm to 7pm on Friday 13th November.
Yes — if you can’t make it, someone else can grab it for you 👍
⏱️ RACE INFO
You’ve got five to choose from:
- Coastal Half (21.1km)
- Pukeiti Climb (10km)
- Pukekura Park (5km)
- Lake Mangamahoe (4.5km)
- Devon Mile (1.61km)
Mix and match or collect them all like a slightly painful Pokémon set.
Start times vary depending on the race — check the schedule for full details so you don’t accidentally rock up mid-pack wondering what you missed.
Yes 🙌 There’ll be hydration stations on course to keep you topped up and moving.
No full snack buffet out there — so if you need fuel, make sure you bring it with you.
Yep 🙌
We’ll have cups available at hydration stations — no need to bring your own unless you’ve got a favourite.
Yep — but don’t stress 😅
We’re not here to yank you off course. The cut-offs are mainly so we can reset and get the next race ready to go.
If you’re cruising (love that for you), just keep in mind we may start moving things along behind the scenes — so a steady forward pace is the goal.
Yep — just be smart about it 👀
On road sections, headphones need to come out so you can hear marshals and stay aware of traffic (even if the road is closed).
Safety first, playlists second 🎧
🧢 THE EXPERIENCE
100%.
Whether you’re a first-timer, a weekend jogger, or someone who accidentally signed up and is now committed — there’s a race here for you.
Supportive, a little gritty, and a whole lot of fun.
You’ll get cheers from strangers, high-fives from kids, and that unbeatable “I did that” feeling at the finish line.
Shoes ✔️
Motivation ✔️
A bold level of optimism ✔️
Shoes:
- Road shoes = sweet for most races
- Lake Mangamahoe Option 1 = trail shoes recommended
- Option 2 = road shoes all the way
Gear:
It’s Taranaki… expect chaos (the fun kind) 😅
Sunny in town, raining in the Pukeiti rainforest — sometimes at the same time. So pack layers and be ready for anything.
Absolutely! We'll have photographers out across the weekend capturing the action, and every photo will be available to download completely FREE after the event.
Unlike many events that charge for participant photos, we'd rather make them available for everyone to enjoy.
We'll also have a free selfie photo station at the Half Marathon and Mile finish area, where you can snap a finisher photo to print and take home.
Our photographers are there to capture the atmosphere, the scenery and the unforgettable moments that make Coastal Five special. While we can't guarantee an individual photo of every participant, every photo we capture will be yours to download and keep.
Think of it this way: we could guarantee everyone a photo and charge for it... or make every photo free. We chose free. 💙
🏅 RESULTS, MEDALS & MERCH
Of course 🏅
Single race = medal at the finish line 🙌
Taking on all five? That’s next-level. You’ll get your medal once you’ve completed the full set — one epic reward for a seriously big effort.
Because let’s be honest… six medals each would get out of hand real quick 😅
We use a timing chip that attaches to your shoe laces 👟
No laces? No worries — we’ve got ankle tags available so everyone gets timed.
Important: your timing chip needs to be within about 30cm of the ground when you cross the mat — so don’t go celebrating with it in your hand or stuffed in your pocket 😅
Yep 👀
The Half Marathon and 10km both include timing splits — perfect if you like digging into your pace (or proving you didn’t go out too hot…)
Going full legend mode? This is where it gets interesting 🔥
If you’re competing across all five events, you’ll earn points based on your placing in each race.
Those points add up across the weekend to determine the overall standings.
So it’s not just about one great run — it’s consistency across all five 👊
Of course 😎
Pre-order through Race Roster when you enter to make sure you get the size you want — easy win.
We’ll have some gear on race day too, but once sizes are gone… they’re gone 👀
Yep 👀
We’ll celebrate the legends, the speedsters, and the all-round impressive humans at prizegiving. Details on timing and location will be shared closer to race day.
👨👩👧👦 SPECTATORS & SUPPORT CREW
Please do! The more hype squad energy, the better. There are plenty of great spots along the courses to cheer you on.
Only if they’re registered — no sneaky pacers jumping in halfway (nice try though).
🚗 LOGISTICS
Short answer: yes — but it depends on your race 👇
- Lake Mangamahoe & Pukeiti → buses from TSB Stadium 🚌
- Pukekura Park → head to TSB Stadium
- Half & Mile → details coming soon 👀
We’ll keep you posted so there’s no race-day scramble.
Yes 🙌
Because running with your car keys, hoodie, and snacks is not the vibe.
💬 STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
If you’re still unsure about something, flick us a message.
We’re always happy to help (and talk running… obviously).