Two athletes compete in a wheelchair race on a city street lined with blue barricades and spectators. The athlete in the foreground is pushing with intense effort, while the other follows closely behind. Residential buildings and trees are visible in the background.
Christchurch

Accessibility

We’re committed to making New Zealand’s funnest fun run the most inclusive of all!

We’ve been working with Paralympics New Zealand on ways to increase accessibility at Round the Bays so that all New Zealanders can take part. Whether you want to run, walk or roll.

For Round the Bays 2025, we have created two mobility Start Groups - Competitive Mobility and Non-Competitive Mobility.

Christchurch
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Accessibility

Competitive Mobility Start Group

Are you a harry hard-out ready to take on the race at top speed? If you can complete the 8.4km course in less than 36 minutes, sign up under the Competitive Mobility Start Group. You’ll start at the front of the pack along with the Elite Start Group.

Non-Competitive Mobility Start Group

Looking to take things at a slower pace? Sign up under the Non-Competitive Mobility Start Group. You’ll start at the back of the Walkers Start Group, along with those pushing strollers and slower walkers. Your race time doesn’t begin until you cross the start line mat, so you can still knock off your personal best! If you're not in to crowds and completing the course in more than 36 minutes, let us know at @roundthebays@stuff.co.nz and we'll find a solution!

Getting to Round the Bays

We recommend using public transport and/or our event shuttles to get to and from the start and finish line as there is limited parking close by.

Accessibility FAQs

Where should I park? Are there drop off zones?

Due to road closures, we strongly encourage participants to use public transport and our free event buses to get to and from the start line and finish line areas.

‍Participant drop off areas

Option 1 - drop off only in the shopping precinct at 1005 Ferry Road, then walk to the start line area

Option 2 - Kite Lane drop off only.

Please note, any exiting traffic will need to turn left onto Humphreys Drive as road restrictions are in place.

Once participants have been dropped off, please use the traffic light crossing on Ferry Road to enter into the Starting Zone safely.

‍Take a free event bus!

Pre-race: We are running free event buses to the start line from Christchurch Bus Exchange on the corner of Lichfield and Colombo Street. All buses will be leaving from Bay 8 from 7.00am - 9.00am.

Post-race: We are running free buses from Bowhill Road/Thomson Park to the Christchurch Bus Exchange from 10.30am - 2.00pm.

Simply show your bib to the event staff before you board the bus and enjoy your free ride!

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What if I can't get to Bib Collection?

No problem. A friend or family member can pick up your bib on your behalf from Bib Collection. They just need to know your bib number. You can also collect your bib on the day at our start line Information Tent. However, please allow at least 45 minutes - you don’t want to be queuing to get your bib when all your mates have set off.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, registered service animals (not pets) are welcome to join you at Round the Bays. Sign up to the Non-Competitive Mobility Start Group to ensure the safety of your service animal on the course. Please also email the team at roundthebays@stuff.co.nz to let them know that you'll be bringing your service animal on the day.

Will there be accessible toilets?

There will be accessible toilets at the start line, on the course and at the finish line.

Can I bring my own food?

You can bring your own food, but there will also be a great range of food vendors to choose from at the finish line and a coffee van at the start line where you can fuel up.

Do you have a bag drop?

Pre-race: There will be a gear drop off at the Anytime Fitness car park on Ferry Road from 7.00am - 9.45am.

Post-race: There will be a collection point at the southern end of Thomson Park.

Please use your own drawstring bag for your gear (change of clothes, lightweight jacket, post race snacks etc). Please do not leave valuables in your bag. The drawstring bag should be no larger than a shoe bag –no backpacks or handbags please. 

Can I bring a guide/support person to take part with me?

Absolutely! Your guide/support person can accompany you at Round the Bays, no charge. However, if they’re looking to compete alongside you and get their own race time and medal, they will need to enter themselves separately.

Is there someone I can speak to about my specific needs?

We'd love to hear from you. Email the team at roundthebays@stuff.co.nz and let us know your requirements.

Where can I be dropped off?

‍‍Due to road closures, we strongly encourage participants to use public transport and our free event buses to get to and from the start line and finish line areas.

‍Participant drop off areas

Option 1 - public car park 1004 Ferry Road (Woolworths/Mitre 10 precint).

Option 2 - Kite Lane drop off only.

Please note, any exiting traffic will need to turn left onto Humphreys Drive as road restrictions are in place.

Once participants have been dropped off, please use the traffic light crossing on Ferry Road to enter into the Starting Zone safely.

‍Take a free event bus!

Pre-race: We are running free event buses to the start line from Christchurch Bus Exchange on the corner of Lichfield and Colombo Street. All buses will be leaving from Bay 8 from 7.00am - 9.00am.

Post-race: We are running free buses from Bowhill Road/Thomson Park to the Christchurch Bus Exchange from 10.30am - 2.00pm.

Simply show your bib to the event staff before you board the bus and enjoy your free ride!‍

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A large group of runners is gathered at the starting line of a marathon. The participants are dressed in various athletic gear and appear ready to begin the race. There are blue inflatable archways marking the start, and a crowd of spectators is visible in the background.
Course Map

Check out the course map so you're fully prepared on the day.

A group of runners poses for a photo at the finish line of a race event. Some participants are wearing race numbers and medals. A few other runners and spectators are seen in the background. The atmosphere is festive, with banners and flags around the area.
Pre Race

All you need to know about getting to the event, bib collection and more.

A group of people, including children and adults, are running in a race. They are wearing colorful outfits and tutus. The background shows a blue inflatable arch marking part of the race, and there are trees and spectators lining the route.
Race Day

Start times, transport, post event details and more.

A group of runners of diverse ages and genders participate in an outdoor race on a sunny day, with two women in the foreground smiling, wearing athletic gear, and waving at the camera. The background shows other participants and trees.
Start Line Map

Find your start group and where to start.

A group of children wearing yellow shirts and race bibs gather for a group photo outdoors. They appear to be participating in a charitable or sports event. The background features trees and buildings, and some participants are holding balloons.
Finish Line Map

See you at Thomson Park!

Two athletes compete in a wheelchair race on a city street lined with blue barricades and spectators. The athlete in the foreground is pushing with intense effort, while the other follows closely behind. Residential buildings and trees are visible in the background.
FAQs

Have a burning question? Find out more.

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