Kaikōura Whale Run
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Kaikōura Whale Run
The Kaikōura Whale Run is an annual running event organised by Kaikōura Suburban School and scheduled for Saturday 5 September 2026 in Kaikōura. Courses were redesigned in 2022 to include more off-road trail sections and offer views of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
Distances and category types:
- 21 km Half Marathon run or walk
- 12 km run or walk
- 5 km run or walk
- Marafun for preschool and early primary children, recommended 8 years and under
Course surfaces include farm tracks, native bush trails, gravel roads and some short sections on quiet country roads. The half marathon route passes through bush, crosses several creeks, travels over farmland and reaches high points such as the Waimangaroa Dam before returning to the school. The 12 km follows much of the half marathon route for the first part. The 5 km route uses nearby farm tracks and rural roads with a short elevation before returning to the school. The Marafun is held off road within the school grounds and includes simple obstacles.
Event facilities include portaloo toilets, drink stations on course and refreshments and stalls within the school grounds. All competitors have times and places recorded. Entry rules require race numbers to be worn on the chest for timing and prohibit dogs; officials and the event waiver set additional conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
