Nelson Marathon 2026

The Nelson Marathon is a winter run and walk event held in Richmond, Nelson region, New Zealand. Participants can choose from a solo marathon, a solo half marathon, or marathon relay options for teams of two or four. The full marathon is almost entirely off-road, following a flat route on paths, parkland, bike track, gravel trail, and waterfront sections, but it is not a mountain race. The 42 km course begins with 2.7 km on a sealed bike track, then transitions to gravel along Nelson Tasman's Great Taste Trail and Moturoa Trails. A significant portion of the route runs alongside Waimea Inlet, a notable coastal ecosystem, offering views of the Mt Arthur and Richmond ranges. Half marathon participants conclude their race at Conifer Park on Rabbit Island, requiring self-arranged transport for their return. Active4Good is the event organiser.