Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the race start and finish?

The full marathon and relay event will start at 8:00am and the course closes at 4:00pm, giving participants 8 hours to complete their event.
Are there cut-off times?

Yes. Strict cut-off times apply at various points on the course for safety reasons. Participants who miss cut-offs may be asked to leave the course.
Where does the race start and finish?

All distances start and finish at Hamilton Gardens.
What distances can I enter?

You can choose from:

  • Full Marathon – 42.2km (run or walk)
  • Half Marathon – 21.1km (run or walk)
  • Team Relay Marathon – 42.2km (teams of 2, 3, or 4)
Can I walk the event?

Yes! Walkers are very welcome. You can walk the full marathon or half marathon, or combine walking and running, as long as you finish within the event time limit.
Is this event suitable for first timers?

Absolutely. The Kirikiriroa Marathon is designed to be affordable, welcoming, and supportive. Our event is a popular choice for first time participants wanting to give a big event a go.
Relay Teams

How does the relay marathon work?
Relay teams consist of 2, 3, or 4 people completing the full 42.2km marathon course together.

  • The course is split into four legs (approximately 10–11km each)
  • Teams of 4 complete one leg each
  • Teams of 2 or 3 can split the legs however they choose
  • Teams must organise their own transport to change-over points
How does relay timing work?

Each relay team receives one timing bib.
That bib must cross the finish line to record the team’s result.
What is the course like?

The course follows the beautiful Te Awa River Path alongside the Waikato River. It features:

  • Undulating terrain
  • Modern bridges and boardwalks, cobblestones, concrete and grass at the start/finish line
  • Wide shared paths and riverside views.

It is not a fast, flat course, but it’s a rewarding and enjoyable one.
What’s on the course?

Along the course you’ll find:

  • Water aid stations
  • Tailwind will be available
  • Coke, salted potato chips, jet planes will be available at aid stations further into the marathon course.
  • Toilets at designated locations
  • Clear signage on course
Are there toilets on the course?

Yes. Toilets are available:

  • At the start and finish area at Hamilton Gardens
  • At designated locations along the course
Will there be aid stations?

Yes. Aid stations will be located at regular intervals along the course, providing water, tailwind. Participants are encouraged to carry their own nutrition if required.
This is a cup less event.
What time should I arrive on race day?

We recommend arriving at Hamilton Gardens between 7:00 am for the Marathon and relay distance to allow time for parking, toilets, bag drop, and warm-up before the 7:50 am race briefing. Half marathon event TBC.
Is there a bag drop?

Yes. A bag drop area will be available at the event start and finish line.
Where can I park?

Parking is available in and around Hamilton Gardens. More details to come on best gate to use and carpark.
Are headphones allowed?

Yes, headphones are allowed but are used at your own risk. Please keep volume low and stay aware of your surroundings, on the course you are responsible for your own safety.
What happens if I miss a cut-off?

If you miss a cut-off time, a volunteer may ask you to leave the course for safety reasons and return to the finish area.
Do finishers receive a medal?

Yes! All participants who complete their event within the time limit will receive a finisher’s medal, proudly provided by Davy Engravers.
Where can I find my results?

Results will be available online after the event.
Will there be race day photography?

Yes. Official race-day photos will be taken by Photos4Sale.

After the event, photos will be available to view and purchase online. Links will be shared on our website, email and social media once galleries are live.
Can I share my own photos?

Absolutely! We’d love to see them.
Tag us on social media: @kirikiriroamarathon
Is this a volunteer-run event?

Yes. The Kirikiriroa Marathon is proudly locally run by a volunteer committee.
Can I get a refund or transfer my entry?

No. Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Is the medical support available?

Yes. Medical support will be available on event day to assist participants if required.
Trained medical personnel and volunteers will be positioned throughout the course and at the start/finish area.

It is important that any existing medical conditions are disclosed during event registration, so our medical team is aware and can respond appropriately if required.

For participant safety, Kirikiriroa Marathon medical volunteers reserve the right to stop any participant during the event if concerns arise about their health or wellbeing.

If you feel unwell at any point, please stop immediately and notify a volunteer.
Is the event timed?

Yes. The Kirikiriroa Marathon is a timed event.

  • Solo marathon and half marathon participants are timed individually
  • Relay teams receive one timing bib per team

Please note: For relay teams, the bib with the timing chip must cross the finish line for a result to be recorded.
Is the course officially measured?

Yes. The course distances are accurately measured to reflect the advertised marathon (42.2km) and half marathon (21.1km) distances. While this is a community focused event, care is taken to ensure the course meets standard distance requirements.