South Island Half Marathon
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South Island Half Marathon at Lake Hood, 2 August 2026
The South Island Half Marathon takes place at Lake Hood, Ashburton, in the Lake Hood catchment on Sunday 2 August 2026. The event offers running, walking, and hybrid entries around the lake, with views across the water and through nearby residential and reserve areas.
Distances and options:
- Half Marathon (21.1 km) : run, hybrid, walk
- 1/6 Marathon (7 km) : run, walk
- Kidz Dash (1.5 km) : for children aged 7 to 13 years
The half marathon comprises three laps of Lake Hood; the 1/6 marathon is a single lap. The course is measured and certified for World Athletics and AIMS by a certificated road racecourse measurer. There are 1 km markers around the course and drink stations located roughly 3.5 km into the route and just past the start area.
Minimum ages: runners must be at least 13 years old for the half marathon and 10 years old for the 7 km event. Walkers and hybrid entrants start before the running field and share the same course; participants are asked to be aware of other users on this lapped course. The event is not suitable for wheelchair athletes or prams. Achilles athletes are able to compete. Race brief and start take place at the Lake House at Lake Hood.
The event supports the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter and lists fundraising for local charities including Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ Trust. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.