The First Race - Christchurch

JAN

1

2027

A New Year’s Day chip timed run at Ngā Puna Wai in Christchurch offering 5 km, 10 km and a half marathon with glow gear encouraged and a 2 hour 20 minute half marathon cut off.

Fri 1 Jan 2027

Christchurch, Canterbury Region

Website

Half Marathon 10 kilometers 5 kilometers

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The First Race 2027 : Christchurch

The First Race 2027 is a running event held on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2027, at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Augustine Drive, Wigram, Christchurch. The event offers chip timing and finisher medals for participants across multiple distances.

Distances

5 km
10 km
21.1 km (half marathon)

The half marathon has a course cut off of 2 hours 20 minutes from the race start; all half marathon runners must finish by that time so the venue can be cleared. Organisers note a comfortable pace of around 6:37 per kilometre to meet the cut off. Sweep support will be on course to assist any runners who need help. The 5 km and 10 km distances have no cut off.

Participants are encouraged to bring visible light items such as glowsticks, LED accessories and light up gear. Head torches are highly encouraged for visibility. The event is chip timed and positioned as a medal-earning occasion.

Registration closes on 23 December 2026 at 11:59. Entry pricing is tiered with early and later rates for each distance. The event uses Barefoot Sport registration and race timing systems. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.