why this half hits different
Not Your Average Half Marathon
This isn’t 21.1km for the sake of suffering prettily. This is the Coastal Half - the one with fresh air, big views, proper atmosphere, and moments where you briefly forget your calves are working overtime.
You’ll get the wild Taranaki coastline, those mighty maunga views, and a course with enough character to keep things interesting from start to finish.
The vibe in one handy box
the course
21.1 km of Coast, Curves & Character
Coastal Walkway Magic
Smooth sections, sea air, and the kind of scenery that makes your watch buzz and your brain go, “Wait, are we really halfway already?”
Maunga Motivation
Taranaki Maunga brings the drama in the best possible way. Nature’s own motivational speaker, just standing there looking glorious.
Medal-Worthy Effort
There are fast, flowing sections and a few spots that remind you this medal is earned, not handed out with your morning coffee.
What kind of runner is this for?
Quick course snapshot
Whether you’re running for a time, a finish, or a highly deserved post-race snack, this course gives you a cracking reason to show up.
why coastal five
More Than Just One Race
Coastal Five is built for every kind of runner - from cruisers and first-timers to full-send competitors with race faces on. Run one, run a few, or go full legend mode and take on the whole weekend.
It’s inclusive, energetic, and packed with that special event-day buzz that gets you out of bed before sunrise without too much complaining.
You bring the legs. We’ll bring the atmosphere.
event weekend vibe
5 Races. 2 Days. One Epic Weekend.
Big Community Energy
This is not a lonely plod around some cones. Expect support, cheers, and a whole lot of shared “we’re really doing this” buzz.
Good Times Included
It’s a run, yes. But it’s also a weekend event with atmosphere, excitement, and enough hype to keep the nerves pointing in the right direction.
Finish Line Feels
The kind that hit you right in the chest. You trained, you turned up, you got it done. Cue emotional hero moment and possibly a sweaty selfie.
still thinking about it?
this is your sign
You could keep scrolling. You could say “maybe next year.” You could pretend your calendar is just far too full for a tiny little 21.1km adventure.
Or you could lock it in, start training, and give yourself something seriously satisfying to aim at. Because finishing a half marathon tends to stick with you. In the best way.
"We signed up not knowing exactly what to expect… and wow, we were not disappointed.
The scenery around Taranaki was unreal, the organisation was spot on, and the volunteer crew were next level.
I didn’t love all the hills 
… but I’ve already signed up again.
That probably says everything."
- Stu L.
photo strip
the kind of weekend you'll want photos of
runner chatter
what people say after it
“The organisation and vibe is unreal! Where else do you get the runner’s version of bar-hopping?
I’ve done it in torrential rain and sunshine - and loved it all. Already planning to be back again.”
— Ellan Y.
“Fantastic event in every way. I got to complete it with my daughter and a great friend - such a special experience.
Huge thanks to the super team and incredible volunteers for making it unforgettable.”
— Lynette G
“Thank you for pushing our team out of our comfort zone. We absolutely loved the environment you created.
Some of us are already coming back to beat our times!”
— Ngatupuna T.
FAQ
a few things you're probably wondering
Is this a good half marathon for first-timers?
Absolutely. It’s built to feel welcoming, motivating, and memorable. You’ll still need to train (we’re fun, not reckless), but you’ll be supported the whole way.
Do I get a medal if I finish?
Of course you do. And not a “chuck it in a drawer and forget about it” medal either - this is a proper earned it the hard way kind of medal. You’ll want to show this one off.
Can faster runners still have a crack at a PB?
Absolutely. There’s one proper hill to test you, but the rest is flat to gently rolling and very runnable. Nail your pacing and you’ll be in for a strong day. For reference, the current course record sits at 1:11:29.
where do i find full race details?
Head to the official race info page for timings, logistics, entry details, and all the practical bits you need to know.
ready when you are
let's do this
21.1km. Coastal views. One very good decision. Enter now and be part of a half marathon weekend with serious atmosphere, memorable scenery, and all the finish line feels.