5K races near Mount Maunganui

McLaren Falls Regional Park is the focus: "pristine forest and well formed trails" above "stunning Lake McLaren," featuring native bush, glowworms, and those "magical autumn colours." The McLaren Falls Trail offers a genuine park trail experience, not a road race with added trees. Its terrain provides enough challenge for regular trail runners while remaining accessible to newer participants and walkers. Underfoot, expect primarily well-formed gravel paths, interspersed with short stretches of road and grassy field. The course includes "slightly more elevation" than the organiser's typical events, providing some climbing without becoming overly strenuous. The event hub is situated at McLaren Falls Equestrian Park, distinct from the main park entrance. This route is suitable for first-time participants, experienced trail runners, younger and older individuals, and walkers who enjoy varied terrain.

City to Surf Tauranga takes runners from the city side of the harbour to Mount Maunganui beach, offering 21.1km, 11km, and 5km courses. The half marathon and 11km begin near the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club at Sulphur Point. The 5km starts on Mount Main Beach by the Mount Surf Club. All three distances conclude on the sand at Mount Main Beach, adjacent to the Surf Club. The half marathon route encircles the Waikareao Estuary track, crosses the Harbour Bridge towards Mount Maunganui, and then loops the Mount Maunganui base track before the beach finish. The 11km also crosses the Harbour Bridge and incorporates the Astrolabe Corporate and Gym/Clubs teams race. The 5km utilizes the boardwalk and beach access paths, turning just past Leisure Island, and includes a lap of the Mauao base-track, ensuring the shortest race shares the same Mount-and-sand finish.