The ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon is a flat, fast destination race on New Zealand’s North Island that runs from the seaside city of Napier out to a finish inside the grounds of Elephant Hill Estate & Winery in Te Awanga. Held each May in one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions, it pairs smooth, easy-running trails and quiet country roads with a festival-style finish, which is why it draws thousands of runners from across Aotearoa and overseas every year.
This guide explains how the event works and how to prepare for it: the four distances and where each one starts, what the course and surface are really like, how to train and pace a flat multi-surface race, what to wear in the crisp autumn air, how the transport and parking actually work, and where to find your official results afterwards. Every figure below has been checked against the organiser’s current race information.
Key Facts
| Event | ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon (Runaway Marathon Series) |
|---|---|
| Finish venue | Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, 86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga |
| Distances | Marathon 42.2km, Half 21.1km, 10km, Kids Run 2.2km |
| 2026 edition | 10th anniversary, held 16 May 2026 |
| Next edition | 15 May 2027 |
| Course | Flat, point-to-point; smooth hard-packed trails and quiet roads (no trail shoes needed) |
| Course closure | 4:00pm (about 7h40 from the marathon start) |
| Timing & results | Chip timing; results on SportSplits and the Runaway Marathon Series app |
What is the ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon?
The ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon is an annual road-and-trail running festival held on a point-to-point course between Napier and Te Awanga, on Hawke’s Bay’s east coast. It is run by the Runaway Marathon Series and offers four distances on the same morning, all finishing at the same winery. The event first ran in 2016 and its 2026 edition marked the tenth anniversary, so it is a well-established fixture rather than a new race.
Its appeal comes from combining a genuinely flat, forgiving course with a strong tourism draw. More than eight in ten participants travel from outside the Hawke’s Bay region, treating the weekend as a mini-holiday around the area’s vineyards, orchards and Art Deco Napier. If you are mapping out a season, it slots neatly into the wider New Zealand running calendar as the standout autumn destination event.
The 2026 tenth-anniversary edition and course records
The 2026 race, held on Saturday 16 May, was the milestone tenth edition and produced two new marathon course records. Alice Mason won the women’s marathon in 2:45:44, taking about two minutes off the previous best, while Michael Voss won the men’s marathon in 2:19:52, more than four minutes inside his own 2022 record. A group of founding runners who have completed every edition since 2016 also returned, underlining the event’s community roots. These results give a realistic sense of the front-of-field pace on this course, but the vast majority of the field is made up of first-timers, club runners and walkers.
Which distance should you choose?
The event runs four distances, so recreational walkers, families and competitive runners all share the same finish line at Elephant Hill. Your choice should come down to your running background, how consistently you have trained through summer, and whether you want a fast, low-stress day or a genuine endurance challenge.
Distances at a Glance
| Distance | Start location | Start time | Recent early entry (NZD) | Drink stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon 42.2km | Anderson Park, Greenmeadows, Napier | 8:20am | ~5 | 11 |
| Half Marathon 21.1km | Marine Parade, Napier | 8:00am | ~5 | 6 |
| 10km | Evers-Swindell Reserve, Clive | 7:30am | ~ | 3 |
| Kids Run 2.2km | Elephant Hill, Te Awanga | 1:30pm | ~ | n/a |
Entry prices are recent early-entry figures and rise as the event approaches; check the official entry page for current pricing.
The four distances explained
- Marathon (42.2km): The full distance starts at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows, Napier, and takes in the longest tour of the region’s trails and roads before the winery finish. If you want to understand the number itself, see our explainer on how long a marathon is.
- Half Marathon (21.1km): Starts on Marine Parade in central Napier and is the most popular distance, offering a fast coastal run without the full commitment of the marathon. Our half marathon guide covers training and pacing for this distance in detail.
- 10km: Starts at Evers-Swindell Reserve in Clive and suits newer runners, families and anyone chasing a quick, flat time.
- Kids Run (2.2km): A short, high-energy event that starts and finishes at Elephant Hill in the early afternoon, introducing younger runners to the same finish chute the adults use.
Stepping up to the full marathon
Moving up to 42.2km means preparing your body for three to four hours or more of continuous effort. Because the course mixes sealed road with compact trail, your legs face a slightly more varied set of impact forces than a pure road marathon, so a training block that includes some off-road running pays off. If you are new to the distance and unsure whether you are ready, the half marathon or 10km lets you experience the same finish festival while you build up over future years.
When and where does the race start and finish?
The race is held on a Saturday in mid-May each year; the 2026 edition ran on 16 May and the next edition is scheduled for 15 May 2027. This late-autumn timing usually delivers cool, settled running weather. The one thing every entrant must plan around is that this is a point-to-point event with three separate start lines and a single finish at Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, 86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga.
The marathon starts at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows, Napier, at 8:20am; the half marathon starts on Marine Parade, Napier, at 8:00am; the 10km starts at Evers-Swindell Reserve, Clive, at 7:30am; and the Kids Run starts at Elephant Hill at 1:30pm. Because the finish is at a private winery, working out your transport in advance is essential — this is covered in full below.
What is the course and terrain like?
The course is deliberately smooth and flat, running along local cycle trails and quiet country roads that are closed or partially closed to traffic and passing vineyards, orchards and coastal wetlands. The organiser states plainly that you do not need trail shoes: the trails are hard-packed and easy underfoot rather than technical, so a normal road running setup is appropriate for every distance.
Flatness is the course’s biggest selling point and also its hidden trap. With almost no elevation change there are no downhill sections to give your muscles a break, so your legs repeat the same stride pattern thousands of times without relief. Managing that, and the open, sometimes breezy coastal stretches near Haumoana and Te Awanga, is what separates a strong finish from a fade over the final kilometres.
How should you train for a flat multi-surface marathon?
Training for this event is about building a durable aerobic engine and legs that are comfortable on both sealed road and compact trail. A common mistake among Kiwi road runners is training only on smooth footpaths, which leaves the small stabilising muscles around the ankles underprepared for the trail sections. Including one off-road run a week solves this without needing any special kit.
Your weekly plan should blend easy aerobic running, one longer weekend run and light strength or mobility work, with training volume peaking three to four weeks before race day before you taper. Using your long runs to rehearse race-day fuelling and pacing is far more valuable than chasing extra mileage.
A simple weekly training structure
| Session type | Main purpose | Suggested frequency | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy aerobic run | Builds aerobic base and fat metabolism | 2–3 times per week | Run at a conversational pace where you can talk in full sentences |
| Off-road / trail run | Conditions stabilising muscles for hard-packed trail | Once per week | Use a local canal path, riverbank or park track to mimic the surface |
| Long weekend run | Builds endurance and confidence | Once per week | Practise your planned race-day gels, drinks and pacing |
| Mobility & rest | Recovery and injury prevention | 2–3 days per week | Prioritise calf work, foam rolling and good sleep |
How do you pace a flat course like Hawke’s Bay?
The key to pacing this course is running an even, controlled effort rather than banking time early. Because there is no terrain to force changes of pace, it is easy to start too fast on fresh legs and pay for it in the closing kilometres. Setting realistic per-kilometre targets in advance keeps you honest — our marathon pace chart turns a goal finish time into split targets you can memorise or load onto your watch.
On the trail sections, keep your steps short and light and your feet landing under your hips to save energy. If a coastal breeze picks up along the exposed stretches, tuck in behind a small group to share the work. A GPS running watch is useful here for holding a steady cadence of roughly 170–180 steps per minute and checking your pace against your plan without guesswork.
What should you wear for a late-autumn race?
Mid-May mornings in Hawke’s Bay can start in single-digit temperatures before the sun clears the horizon, then warm up quickly, so layering is the priority. A breathable singlet or tee with a throwaway top layer at the start line lets you stay warm without overheating once you are moving; an old jumper you are happy to donate is the classic solution.
For footwear, a well-cushioned road running shoe with a reliable full-contact outsole is ideal — the course does not require aggressive trail shoes, and they only add weight on the road sections. Whatever you choose, log at least 50–80km in them during training so there are no surprises. Good technical running socks and anti-chafe balm round out the kit and prevent the small problems that ruin long races.
Race-day gear checklist
| Item | Recommended spec | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Road running shoe | Cushioned, with a durable rubber outsole | Comfortable across both sealed road and hard-packed trail |
| Technical socks | Synthetic or merino, moisture-wicking | Prevents friction blisters; avoid thick cotton |
| Layered top | Breathable singlet plus a throwaway start layer | Manages the shift from cold morning to warmer midday |
| Anti-chafe balm | Sweat-resistant stick or gel | Stops rubbing on underarms, thighs and seams |
How should you fuel and hydrate on course?
Fuelling matters as much as the training miles. A full marathon depletes your stored glycogen, so aim to take on roughly 60–90 grams of carbohydrate per hour from gels, chews or drinks you have already tested in training. Never try a new product on race morning — an untested gel is one of the most common causes of stomach trouble late in a race.
The organiser sets out on-course drink stations at water and PURE electrolyte hydration points, with toilets and first aid: the marathon has 11 drink stations, the half marathon has 6 and the 10km has 3. Take small, regular sips rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, and if your stomach turns against sweet gels, switch to plain water and something simple. Carrying your own gels in a belt is wise if you rely on a specific brand.
How do transport, parking and shuttles work?
This is the single most important piece of race-week planning, because there is no parking at Elephant Hill for athletes or spectators. Trying to drive to the finish will not work. Instead, all-day parking is provided at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds (Tomoana) in Hastings, with additional street parking near the start areas at Anderson Park, Marine Parade and Evers-Swindell Reserve.
The organiser runs a shuttle network on race morning. Paid athlete shuttles (recently around $18) carry runners from the Showgrounds or the Napier i-Site to their start lines, timed to each distance. Free spectator shuttles run to Elephant Hill throughout the day, and free return shuttles bring everyone back from the finish to the Showgrounds and i-Site, with the last departures in the mid-to-late afternoon. Booking athlete shuttle tickets during your online entry is strongly recommended, as they can sell out.
Where can you find your Hawke’s Bay Marathon results?
Your time is captured by a disposable timing chip attached to your race bib, with timing mats at the start, the finish and the marathon halfway point. Results are organised by distance and age group and published online after the event, including on the SportSplits platform and the Runaway Marathon Series app, so friends and family can follow along. General background on the event has also been referenced on Wikipedia.
When you review your result, note the difference between ‘gun time’ (from the start horn) and ‘net time’ (from when your bib crossed the start mat). Your net time is the fairer measure of your own effort and the one to use for personal bests. You can also compare your placing within your age group, review your halfway split to see whether you paced evenly, and download a finisher’s certificate.
What is the finish festival like, and how should you recover?
The finish inside the grounds of Elephant Hill Estate & Winery is the event’s signature moment, with food, drink and a relaxed festival atmosphere on the lawns. Before you settle in, though, look after the basics: as soon as you stop moving your core temperature drops, so pull on warm, dry layers from your gear bag first.
Rehydrate with water or an electrolyte drink before anything else, eat something with protein and carbohydrate to kick-start recovery, and keep moving gently rather than sitting still for hours. A glass of local wine is part of the appeal, but treat it as a reward after you have rehydrated, not as your first drink across the line.
What common mistakes should you avoid?
- Planning to park at the finish: there is no parking at Elephant Hill — use the Showgrounds and a shuttle, or you may miss your start.
- Over-gearing your feet: heavy trail shoes are unnecessary on this smooth course and only slow you down on the road sections.
- Going out too fast: the flat profile tempts an early surge; even pacing is what delivers a strong finish here.
- Trying new fuel on the day: stick strictly to the gels and drinks you rehearsed in your long runs.
- Under-dressing at the start: single-digit mornings catch out visitors — bring a throwaway layer for the wait.
Sources
- ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon — Race Info
- ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon — Entry Info
- ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon — Event Schedule
- ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon — Transport Services
- ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon — 10-year milestone and records
- SportSplits — 2026 Hawke’s Bay Marathon results
- Hawke’s Bay Tourism — Hawke’s Bay Marathon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Hawke’s Bay Marathon held?
The event is held on a Saturday in mid-May each year. The 2026 edition, which was the tenth anniversary, took place on 16 May 2026, and the next edition is scheduled for 15 May 2027. This late-autumn timing usually brings cool, settled weather that is well suited to distance running.
What distances can I enter?
There are four distances: the full marathon (42.2km), the half marathon (21.1km), a 10km run and a 2.2km Kids Run. All four finish at Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, so runners and walkers of every level share the same finish-line festival.
Do I need trail shoes for the course?
No. The organiser states that the course is made up of smooth, hard-packed trails and roads and that trail shoes are not needed. A well-cushioned road running shoe with a durable outsole is the best choice for every distance, and it will feel lighter than a trail shoe on the sealed sections.
Where do the races start and finish, and where do I park?
The marathon starts at Anderson Park in Greenmeadows, the half marathon on Marine Parade in Napier, and the 10km at Evers-Swindell Reserve in Clive; all finish at Elephant Hill in Te Awanga. There is no parking at Elephant Hill, so park at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds in Hastings and use the event shuttles to reach your start line and to return afterwards.
Where can I find my results?
Your time is recorded by a chip on your race bib, with mats at the start, halfway (for the marathon) and finish. Results are published online after the event by distance and age group, including on the SportSplits platform and the Runaway Marathon Series app, where you can view your net time, splits and placing and download a finisher’s certificate.
