Latest news with #RedStagRotoruaMarathon
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Over 7000 Tackle 61st Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Rotorua was abuzz today as thousands of runners, supporters, and volunteers came together for the 61st edition of the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. The lake city was treated to a vibrant festival atmosphere as runners turned down Eat Streat and paraded down the new look finish line outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. With total participants for the 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon eclipsing 7000, the energy was palpable in the finish village as runners, and walkers completed their own journeys at the 61st edition of the iconic event. In the men's marathon, Daniel Balchin clinched victory with a time of 2:24:41, narrowly out kicking local, Cullern Thorby, who finished in 2:24:43. Local favourite Michael Voss secured third place with a time of 2:26:52. Balchin reported that 'neither of us could really drop the other' as they both battled over the closing kilometres back into the heart of Rotorua. 'I managed to get a break on him in the last kilometre and hold on to that to the finish'. On the women's side, Billie Haresnape led the pack, finishing in 3:03:49, followed closely by Rachel O'Brien at 3:04:31 and Kovo MacDonald at 3:07:27. Haresnape shared her joy in not only winning the event but also simply finishing the event. 'I've only run three times in the last 8 weeks, I've been mostly on the bike.' After an earlier injury saw her off her feet for her build up. She'll now turn her attention to an Ironman in Germany later in 2025. The NZCT Half Marathon saw impressive performances, with local Casey Thorby winning the men's race in 1:11:38. Tyler Jerram and Anton Weatherhead followed, finishing in 1:14:29 and 1:15:29, respectively. Kumiko Otani dominated the women's half marathon, completing it in 1:21:58, ahead of Lauren Spyker (1:27:45) and Mia Fletcher (1:30:50). The Go Media 12km race debuted a stunning new course in 2025, capturing the essence of Rotorua's geothermal beauty and forested trails. Runners were treated to a dramatic start at Te Puia, the cultural and geothermal heart of Rotorua, where they passed the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser as it erupted into the morning sky, a uniquely Rotorua moment that set the tone for the race. Before weaving through the world renowned Whakarewarewa Forest and heading back to the new look finish. In the men's race, Corin Jack claimed victory in 45:57, holding off a strong challenge from Brodie Deer (46:17) and William Hylkema (46:43). On the women's side, Sofia Maulvurfs impressed with a decisive win in 49:08, with Alayna Le Comte (49:48) and Katie Elmitt (50:30) rounding out the podium. The Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay made a triumphant return, with over 900 participants across 25 teams. Team HOHOWAI clinched the win, completing the relay in 4:45:13, followed by TAPUAEKURA and HURUNGATERANGI. As the day winds down, the energy ramps up as attention now turns to the evening's runway events at Rotorua Airport. The Runway5 and the New Zealand 5km Road Championships promise thrilling races under the stars, capping off an unforgettable weekend of running in Rotorua.
NZ Herald
03-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Red Stag Rotorua Marathon 2025: Dan Balchin, Billie Haresnape victorious
Dan Balchin and Billie Haresnape have taken the honours in the 2025 men's and women's Red Stag Rotorua Marathon races today. Balchin ran a time of 02:24:41, just two seconds ahead of Cullern Thorby (02:24:43) with local hero Michael Voss (02:26:52) in third. Haresnape ran a time of 03:03:49, ahead of Rachel O'Brien (03:04:31) and Kovo MacDonald (03:07:27). The year's event had a new finish line in the heart of the newly redeveloped Rotorua Lakefront precinct with a grand final stretch down Eat Streat and finishing outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. A big crowd lined the finish chute and along the city's dining precinct this morning, with restaurant patrons cheering on the runners approaching the finish line.
NZ Herald
02-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Kaden Young tackles Rotorua Mini Marathon in Crocs
At the finish line, Kaden's mum was waiting with his running shoes in a bag, having hoped she could have caught him among the masses before his race got under way. But for the 11-year-old Kaharoa School pupil, the Crocs did just fine. The puffed youngster told the Rotorua Daily Post as he crossed the finish line he barely noticed the difference. 'I realised when I got to school I'd forgotten my shoes because I forgot I had mini marathon today.' The Matthews Sport Vision Kids' Mini Marathon is part of the official Red Stag Rotorua Marathon and started in 2010. Children from across Rotorua schools run 2.2km of the 42.2km Rotorua Marathon course – experiencing the glory of running down the finishing chute to the cheers of parents and supporters. Children are given 'marathon passports' when they register and are asked to spend the weeks leading up to the event ticking off 1km at a time as part of their training, aiming to reach 40km. They run the final couple of kilometres in the mini marathon event – giving them the feel of completing a marathon distance. This year, the children were sent on a different course, starting and finishing outside Rotorua Lakeside Hotel, running along the Rotorua Lakefront, past Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, towards the Government Gardens and back along Whakaue St towards the finish line on Tūtānekai St. Athletics New Zealand event manager Keegan McCauley said the great weather and the new course design helped make for an awesome day out. 'It's good to keep the kids active and enjoying running, and it's an opportunity to run down the finish chute that maybe their mums and dads might be doing at the weekend. Hopefully, they feel inspired to have a greater involvement in the sport of athletics and running.' Keano Cunningham, 11, from Rotorua Intermediate School, said the marshals did a great job of showing them where to run to ensure no children got lost. He said he had done the mini marathon several times before but loved this course as he got to see more sights, including Wai Ariki and the Lakefront. Aaleyah Hill, 10, from Glenholme School, is normally a rugby and league player but liked the opportunity to get out for a run. 'It was tiring but it was fun and I liked it very much.' Te Maania Ngamoki-Hohepa, 9, from Whangamarino School. also used the opportunity for some pre-season league and rugby training. She said she liked this course better because it provided more shade than in previous years. 'It was tiring but good at the same time.' The weekend's racing starts on Saturday from 7.45am at Whangamarino School for the half marathon and 8am at Government Gardens for the full marathon, followed by shorter distance races.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
6000 Athletes Set To Tackle Iconic Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Press Release – Athletics New Zealand Rotorua Gears Up for a Spectacular Red Stag Rotorua Marathon Weekend The stage is set for one of New Zealand's most iconic running festivals, as the 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon roars to life this weekend, with over 6,000 participants expected to take part across a series of exciting events. From the return of a legendary cultural relay to a brand-new forest trail course and a kids' run that brings schools together in celebration of movement, this year's event promises to be one of the most vibrant and community-driven editions yet. Thousands of Tamariki Take Over the Lakefront Kicking off the action on Friday morning, more than 2,400 tamariki will lace up for the Matthews Sport Vision Kids' Mini Marathon. Covering 2.2km along the Rotorua Lakefront, the event brings together students from dozens of local schools for kids of all ages to get active and involved with the Event Weekend. The Mini Marathon continues to grow each year, helping to foster a lifelong love of running among the next generation. Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay Returns Saturday morning will see the return of the Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay, held for the first time since the 1990s. Featuring over 25 teams and 900 participants, the relay is steeped in cultural significance, taking in ten stages across key sites around Rotorua, including eight marae and two awa (rivers). Each team is made up of around 30 runners of all ages. The relay begins at Te Papa-i-Ōuru Marae in Ōhinemutu, completes the iconic loop of the lake and finishes at the new Red Stag Rotorua Marathon event village. Whakarewarewa Forest Hosts New 12km Course A new addition to this year's schedule is the new Go Media 12km, which begins at Te Puia, a renowned Māori cultural and geothermal centre located in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, erupting up to 20 times a day and reaching heights of 30 metres. Runners will start their journey near the geyser, experiencing the geothermal wonders before traversing the Whakarewarewa Forest, known for its towering redwoods and scenic trails. The course offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, providing participants with an unforgettable running experience. A New Era for the Finish Line For the first time, all events in the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon will finish in the heart of the newly redeveloped Rotorua Lakefront precinct, with a grand final stretch down the iconic Eat Streat. Runners will soak up the electric atmosphere as they descend the bustling dining boulevard, cheered on by crowds, before crossing the finish line outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. This new finish experience has been designed to celebrate the final moments of each runner's journey, creating a festival-like environment for athletes, spectators, and supportersalike. With entertainment, food, and community all in one place, it's set to be one of the most memorable finishes in the event's storied history. National Titles on the Tarmac at Runway5 Saturday night will close with a bang as the Runway5 event takes over the Rotorua Airport runway. This fast and flat spectacle will double as the New Zealand 5km Road Championships, drawing the country's top speedsters to battle it out under lights for national honours. The people's 5km will see runners take on adventure under the stars, taking in the full length of the runway. A high-energy festival atmosphere , it's set to be a must-watch moment of the weekend. The Marathon kicks off at 8 am on Saturday 3 May from the Government Gardens before heading off for the historic and well-loved lap of the lake. This year the event hosts the 2025 NZ Master's Marathon Championships. Rotorua Local, Michael Voss returns to defend his Rotorua Marathon title. Last years runner up, Cullen Thorby is also set to challenge over 42.2km distance. Daniel Balchin will also be one to watch, coming into the race with a 2:22.25 best from Auckland in 2022. Billie-Lee Haresnape finished third in the 2022 edition of the event and returns in 2025. Also looking to be top contenders is Rachel O'Brien who finished 4th in 2024 with a strong 3:10. 21 performance, and Angela Hancock who enters with a best of 2.58.49 from Sydney Marathon in 2024.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
6000 Athletes Set To Tackle Iconic Red Stag Rotorua Marathon
Rotorua Gears Up for a Spectacular Red Stag Rotorua Marathon Weekend The stage is set for one of New Zealand's most iconic running festivals, as the 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon roars to life this weekend, with over 6,000 participants expected to take part across a series of exciting events. From the return of a legendary cultural relay to a brand-new forest trail course and a kids' run that brings schools together in celebration of movement, this year's event promises to be one of the most vibrant and community-driven editions yet. Thousands of Tamariki Take Over the Lakefront Kicking off the action on Friday morning, more than 2,400 tamariki will lace up for the Matthews Sport Vision Kids' Mini Marathon. Covering 2.2km along the Rotorua Lakefront, the event brings together students from dozens of local schools for kids of all ages to get active and involved with the Event Weekend. The Mini Marathon continues to grow each year, helping to foster a lifelong love of running among the next generation. Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay Returns Saturday morning will see the return of the Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay, held for the first time since the 1990s. Featuring over 25 teams and 900 participants, the relay is steeped in cultural significance, taking in ten stages across key sites around Rotorua, including eight marae and two awa (rivers). Each team is made up of around 30 runners of all ages. The relay begins at Te Papa-i-Ōuru Marae in Ōhinemutu, completes the iconic loop of the lake and finishes at the new Red Stag Rotorua Marathon event village. Whakarewarewa Forest Hosts New 12km Course A new addition to this year's schedule is the new Go Media 12km, which begins at Te Puia, a renowned Māori cultural and geothermal centre located in the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, erupting up to 20 times a day and reaching heights of 30 metres. Runners will start their journey near the geyser, experiencing the geothermal wonders before traversing the Whakarewarewa Forest, known for its towering redwoods and scenic trails. The course offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, providing participants with an unforgettable running experience. A New Era for the Finish Line For the first time, all events in the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon will finish in the heart of the newly redeveloped Rotorua Lakefront precinct, with a grand final stretch down the iconic Eat Streat. Runners will soak up the electric atmosphere as they descend the bustling dining boulevard, cheered on by crowds, before crossing the finish line outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. This new finish experience has been designed to celebrate the final moments of each runner's journey, creating a festival-like environment for athletes, spectators, and supportersalike. With entertainment, food, and community all in one place, it's set to be one of the most memorable finishes in the event's storied history. National Titles on the Tarmac at Runway5 Saturday night will close with a bang as the Runway5 event takes over the Rotorua Airport runway. This fast and flat spectacle will double as the New Zealand 5km Road Championships, drawing the country's top speedsters to battle it out under lights for national honours. The people's 5km will see runners take on adventure under the stars, taking in the full length of the runway. A high-energy festival atmosphere , it's set to be a must-watch moment of the weekend. The Marathon kicks off at 8 am on Saturday 3 May from the Government Gardens before heading off for the historic and well-loved lap of the lake. This year the event hosts the 2025 NZ Master's Marathon Championships. Rotorua Local, Michael Voss returns to defend his Rotorua Marathon title. Last years runner up, Cullen Thorby is also set to challenge over 42.2km distance. Daniel Balchin will also be one to watch, coming into the race with a 2:22.25 best from Auckland in 2022. Billie-Lee Haresnape finished third in the 2022 edition of the event and returns in 2025. Also looking to be top contenders is Rachel O'Brien who finished 4th in 2024 with a strong 3:10. 21 performance, and Angela Hancock who enters with a best of 2.58.49 from Sydney Marathon in 2024.
