Taupo Marathon 2025

• Long-standing event with stunning lakefront and scenic courses.
• Family-friendly atmosphere, including a kids dash and fun zone.
• Marathon course includes two laps plus an additional loop.
• Finish line and prizegiving at Tongariro North Domain.
• Live music, refreshments, and recovery amenities available.

The Taupo Marathon is one of New Zealand's longest-standing and most iconic running and walking events. It offers a variety of distances to cater to different ages and abilities, including a 42km marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km run, a 5km fun run, and a 1km Kid's Dash.

Course: The marathon course is a 2-lap route that starts on Tongariro Street and finishes at the Tongariro Domain (Great Lake Centre). It features highlights such as the Great Lake Pathway, offering stunning views of the lake and snow-covered mountains. The half marathon follows a 1-lap course along the same scenic route.

Unique Aspects: The Taupo Marathon is known for its picturesque setting, showcasing the best of Taupo's lakefront. The event is family-friendly, with options for all ages and abilities. Every finisher, including those in the Kid's Dash, receives a beautiful medal to commemorate their achievement.

Additional Information: The event emphasizes environmental sustainability by encouraging participants to use reusable cups, bottles, or hydration packs to reduce plastic waste. The organizers also provide collapsible silicone cups for purchase at the event base.

Pre-Event Registration: Pre-event registration and expo will be held at the Great Lake Centre from 2pm to 7pm on Friday, 1 August 2025, where participants can still enter the event if they have not done so online.

Family-Friendly: The event includes a Kid's Dash and a Kid's Fun Zone, making it an ideal weekend getaway for families and friends looking to enjoy a beautiful part of New Zealand.

Expect temperatures between 36-54°F (2-12°C) during the Taupo Marathon in early August. Prepare for high humidity and a significant chance of rain. Mornings are chilly, so dress appropriately to stay comfortable throughout your run.

The Taupo Marathon offers an invigorating 42.2km journey that begins on Tongariro Street and culminates at the Tongariro Domain near the Great Lake Centre.

Runners experience a mostly flat course with an elevation gain of 225 meters, weaving through a blend of roads and picturesque paths along the renowned Great Lake Pathway. The marathon consists of two loops of the half marathon route, with an extra circuit in the Ngāroto Estate subdivision. Participants set off down Tongariro and Roberts Streets, head to the airport roundabout, and then turn onto SH1 towards 5 Mile Bay. The return leg along the Great Lake Pathway offers breathtaking views of Lake Taupo and the majestic snow-capped mountains.

Key landmarks punctuate the route, including the airport roundabout, 5 Mile Bay, and Taupo Mini Golf, which serves as a turnaround point during the second lap. The stunning scenery is both a highlight and a challenge, as runners must balance taking in the views with maintaining their pace. The two-lap structure and additional loop demand strategic energy management to conquer the course effectively.

The Taupo Marathon is celebrated for its blend of natural beauty and accessible terrain, attracting runners of all skill levels who seek both a rewarding challenge and unforgettable vistas.

Beyond the Taupo Marathon, this stunning lakeside town in New Zealand offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Begin your adventure with a visit to Huka Falls, where a gentle walk along the Waikato River leads to breathtaking views of the roaring waterfall. For a unique cultural experience, take a kayak or boat tour to the Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo, crafted by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell. Nearby, the Aratiatia Rapids provide a dramatic spectacle as water is released from the dam, showcasing the power of nature.

Taupo's vibrant culture is equally compelling. Discover traditional arts like weaving and carving, or immerse yourself in Maori culture at Te Wharewaka o Taupo, where exhibitions and performances bring local heritage to life. If you visit around the Māori New Year, the Matariki Festival offers a vibrant celebration of storytelling and community spirit. For a taste of local flavor, explore the Taupo Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and artisanal crafts, though it's closed in winter.

Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a hike that offers panoramic views of volcanic landscapes. After a day of exploration, unwind in the thermal hot pools at Spa Thermal Park. With its blend of natural wonders and rich cultural offerings, Taupo promises an unforgettable experience beyond the marathon.