newzealand-marathon.co.nz is an information site about distance running in New Zealand. We write for people building up to a first 5 km, runners choosing their next half marathon, marathon or ultra, and anyone who wants to understand how an event works before they enter. We do not organise races, take entries or sell tickets.
What we do
We publish plain-language guides to New Zealand’s road and trail running events, from the large city marathons to ultramarathons and community fun runs. Alongside the event guides, the site covers:
- Distances and formats. How far a marathon, half marathon and ultramarathon are, and how the different race formats compare.
- Training and pacing. Beginner plans, pace charts and the basics of preparing for a long run.
- Gear. What to look for in shoes, watches, hydration vests and other running kit.
- Planning tools. A calorie calculator and calendars of running events around the country.
Race dates, courses, entry fees and cut-off times change from one year to the next. Our guides explain how an event works, but the organiser’s official website is always the final word. Check it before you enter, book travel or plan your race day.
Our principles
Everything on the site is written to the same four standards.
- Accurate. We check facts against primary sources such as official event websites, Athletics New Zealand, World Athletics and public agencies, and we aim to list the sources an article relies on.
- Clear. We explain running terms the first time we use them and write so that a newcomer can follow along.
- Neutral. We describe events, gear and training methods as they are. We are not affiliated with the events, clubs, governing bodies or brands we write about.
- Current. We review older pages and correct them when the details change or a reader points out a mistake.
Some articles contain links to commercial websites. A link is there for reference and is not a recommendation of the site it leads to.
Our content is general information. It is not medical advice or a personal training programme, so talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional before you start or change a training plan.
The editorial team
Harriet Lockwood is the editor and writer responsible for what is published on newzealand-marathon.co.nz. She plans the topics, reviews every article before it goes live and decides when a page needs to be updated or corrected. If something on the site is wrong, putting it right is her responsibility.
How we use AI
We use AI tools, including Claude from Anthropic, to help with research, outlines and first drafts. Nothing goes from an AI tool straight to the site. The editor checks each text against its sources, rewrites what needs rewriting and approves it before publication, and we take full responsibility for everything we publish.
You can read more in our AI policy.
Contact
Have you found an error, an out-of-date race detail or a topic we should cover? We want to hear about it. You can reach the editorial team through our contact page.
We cannot help with race entries, refunds, transfers or results. Those questions go to the organiser of the event concerned.
Gamble responsibly
This is a running site, not a gambling site. We do not offer betting, accept stakes or run any gambling service. A small number of articles refer to sports betting or link to gambling websites, and that content is meant only for adults aged 18 and over. It is information, never encouragement to bet.
If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, the Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 0800 654 655, by text on 8006, or at gamblinghelpline.co.nz. Our responsible gambling page lists more places to get help.