Nelson · New Zealand

Half Marathon races near Nelson

1 races in 2026 next one in 10 days

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Upcoming Half Marathon races near Nelson

JUL 1

Run · road · Half Marathon

NBS Nelson Marathon

Nelson Region · 9 km away

Nelson · 80 km

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Recurring Half Marathon races near Nelson

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Teetotal Traverse

Teetotal Traverse guides participants through the Teetotal Flats and Big Bush Conservation Area, adjacent to Nelson Lakes National Park, offering three spring trail routes rather than a single competition. The longest route is a 21.1km half marathon intended for capable trail runners aged 16 and older. This is followed by the 13km Big Bush Kākā Challenge and the 8km Skating Pond Stride. Start times are staggered throughout the morning, beginning with the half marathon, then the 13km, and finally the 8km. The routes traverse native bush, tussock flats, mānuka stands, ridge lines, and alpine landscapes, presenting a greater challenge than a flat road race. The 13km route incorporates the initial ridge section of the half marathon before descending via the Kākā Track and crossing the flats. The 8km course remains on more accessible terrain, suitable for novices, families, and younger runners, whereas the 13km and half marathon are better suited for individuals already comfortable with more challenging, hilly trails.

Nelson Half Marathon

The Nelson Half Marathon begins and ends at Saxton Field in Nelson, New Zealand, held on the first Sunday of November. This event offers four distances: a 21.1 km half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and a 2.5 km kids’ dash suitable for children and beginners. The course is flat, making it accessible for those new to running, walkers, families, casual runners, and competitive runners aiming for a personal best. The half marathon follows an out-and-back path on level terrain, with the 10 km race utilizing a portion of the same route. Participants travel on shared walkways and trails around Stoke and the Waimea Inlet, passing by Tāhunanui beach and through Nelson's backstreets. Walkers in the half marathon have an earlier start than runners, while the shorter races commence later in the morning. Aid stations are provided for the 10 km and half marathon, and all participants receive a medal upon finishing.

Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon

The Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon begins with a boat trip. Participants board a Beachcomber Catamaran in Picton, cruising for approximately one hour to Anakiwa before the race. This is a small event in the Marlborough Sounds, limited to 200 participants, covering about 22K on the Queen Charlotte Track with a 3 hour 30 minute cutoff. The race takes place on a Saturday in November, and participants may run or walk, welcoming all abilities. The start is a short walk from Anakiwa, the location of New Zealand's Outward Bound. The course winds through beech forests, alongside bays, with sounds of birds, featuring twists, turns, climbs, and descents towards Lochmara Bay. The finish is at Lochmara Lodge. Finishers receive a gift from the organizers, have the option to purchase a barbecue lunch, attend prize giving, and then take a return boat to Picton. Prizes include cash for the winner, category awards, spot prizes, and fun prizes. A portion of the entry fee supports New Zealanders affected by Neuroendocrine cancers.

Lochmara Half Marathon

The Lochmara Half Marathon begins with a boat trip from Picton to Anakiwa, the race's starting point. This small trail half marathon in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds takes place annually on the first weekend in November, with a limit of 200 participants. Runners complete a point-to-point course from Anakiwa to Lochmara Lodge. Walkers can opt for a half marathon walk that bypasses the initial 3 km loop to meet the time limit. The full half marathon has a 3 hours 30 minutes cut-off. The course incorporates sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, offering coastal water views and native bush scenery. The logistics contribute to its appeal: participants reach the start by boat, and their gear is transported separately to the finish at Lochmara Lodge. At the lodge, the event concludes with prize giving, post-race activities, swimming, and a gift for finishers from the organizers. A portion of the entry fee benefits individuals with Neuroendocrine cancers, and the winner receives a cash prize.

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About Half Marathon races in Nelson

Nelson Training Notes

Nelson hosts 5 Half Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Locals run Nelson from flat waterfront rhythm to proper mountain legs. The city centre links easily to the Maitai River, the Port to CONZ loop and back along Maitai, and the Nelson Airport Loop when you just want Z2 without drama. The Port to CONZ loop covers 79 km and climbs 815 m when intervals need bite. Athletics Nelson anchors the club scene as Nelson's only Athletics New Zealand registered senior club. The Spectacle Running Festival, Moturoa Backyard Ultra, Mahana Half Marathon, Scarecrow Scamper, and School XC events keep the calendar honest.

Locals ride because Nelson makes it easy to reach for handlebars rather than car keys. The Great Taste Trail runs as a 200 km loop, and two thirds of it stays off-road past Waimea Inlet, Rabbit Island, orchards, vineyards, rivers, and hill valleys. Nelson Mountain Bike Club maintains over 270 km of trails, so the singletrack crowd has plenty of technical trail and steep descending. Nelson Cycling Club sits alongside that scene for riders chasing bunch legs and race days. Coppermine Trail gives you a 40 km hit, Coppermine Saddle reaches 878 m, and the Hira Gravel Loop rolls about 50 km from Nelson City.

December to March gives Nelson its best riding window, with warm, pleasant summer weather and long days for base miles on the Great Taste Trail. Runners use the same months for steady waterfront work, Rabbit Island laps, and longer trail days toward Wakamarina Track, Cobb Ridge, Bullock Track, or Anatoki Track. Winter keeps the region rideable because the mild season still lets the Great Taste Trail work year-round. Fresh snow shows on St.Arnaud Range and the southern Richmond ranges, so runners and riders keep lower routes handy while the high country turns into real tiger country.