An overhead view of the starting line of a race. Numerous runners in colorful athletic gear gather beneath a large inflatable arch that reads "START" in bold black letters against a blue background. The street is filled with waiting participants ready to begin.
Wellington/Race Day
Wellington

Race Day

Sunday 16 February
Enter the race

All you need to know for race day

Whilst we enjoy getting amongst the fun, we also pride ourselves on our operations and your health and safety, so please familiarise yourself with the important info below so you can get the best out of your day.

Move, groove and make it matter

Please wear your race number on the front of your shirt with nothing covering it so that we can track your race time.

Remember to complete your emergency contact details on the back of your bib and arrange a meeting place at the finish line in case you lose your friends along the course! Writing your mobile number on your kids’ arms is a great idea too.

A group of ladies in sports clothing laughing together
*No bibs will be mailed. ALL bibs must be picked up from Bib Collection.
Bib Collection location

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, 181 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, Auckland 1011.

Bib Collection opening hours
  • Thursday 29 February - 12.00pm to 7.00pm (corporate teams only)
  • Friday 1 March - 8.00am - 7.00pm (all participants)
  • Saturday 2 March - 8.00am - 4.00pm (all participants)
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Team Bibs

You can collect your team members’ bibs and timing tags. Simply download your Team List from your team's my.roundthebays.co.nz Event Dashboard and bring that with you. Remember to let your team members know that you are collecting their bibs for them!

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Event schedule

6:30AM

21km Half Marathon bag drop and Info tent open for last minute bib pick ups.

7:30am - 8:00AM

7.30am - 8.4km bag drop opens

7.45am - 21km Half Marathon starts

8.00am - entertainment and formalities for 8.4km start

8:30AM - 9:00AM

Group warm up at the start area.

9:15AM

The event gets started.

Start Groups will be released in waves as follows:

  • 9:15am - Competitive Mobility, Elite Runners & Runners 
  • 9:30am - Joggers 
  • 9:45am - Walkers & Non-Competitive Mobility
10:00AM - 12:30PM

After-party kicks off at the finish line!

Live music, food vendors and giveaways. Soak up the good vibes and celebrate completing #RTB25

10:30AM

First free event shuttles leave the finish line.

Running continuously until 2:15pm.

1:00pm

The celebrations end!

We look forward to seeing you all at the start line again next year!

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Two runners, a man, and woman, wearing athletic gear and sunglasses, smile and raise their arms in celebration as they near the finish line of a race. Other participants and spectators are visible in the background, creating a lively atmosphere.

Bag drop

We'll have a gear drop zone at the start line and at the finish line. 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. 

Wave start times

When you arrive at the start line area next to Waitangi Park, look for your dedicated Start Group section (Elite & Competitive Mobility, Runners, Joggers or Walkers & Non-Competitive Mobility).

To avoid crowd congestion, we’ll be releasing Start Groups in waves.

Please be patient. There’s no need to rush! Your personal start time doesn’t begin until you cross the timing mats at the start line.

bib Colour
Pink
Start Group
21km Half Marathon
Start Area
Oriental Parade, close to Copthorne Hotel
Wave starts
7:45am
bib Colour
Black
Start Group
Elite & Competitive Mobility
Start Area
Oriental Parade, close to Copthorne Hotel
Wave starts
9:15am
bib Colour
Dark Blue
Start Group
Runners
Start Area
Oriental Parade, close to Copthorne Hotel
Wave starts
9:15am
bib Colour
Yellow
Start Group
Joggers
Start Area
Oriental Parade, corner of Herd Street
Wave starts
9:30am
bib Colour
Light Blue
Start Group
Walkers & Non-Competivite Mobility
Start Area
Oriental Parade, close to Ohtel
Wave starts
9:45am

Transport and free shuttles

We’ll be running free post event shuttles. Simply show your bib to the event staff before you board the bus and enjoy your free ride! 

Please note there will be wait times at peak periods, so don’t rush. Sit back, enjoy a drink, some food and soak up the entertainment, you will have earned it!

Pre-event shuttles

More details COMING SOON ...

Check back later.

Post-event shuttles

More details COMING SOON ...

Check back later.

A pair of teenage girls piggy back one another while handing out water to runners who have just finished a race

Hydration

We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle on race day. However, there will be water stations at the start area, along the course, and at the finish line.

The Course and event maps

A large group of runners participating in a marathon or race on a paved road near the coastline. Many are wearing athletic gear, and some have backpacks or hydration packs. The background features coastal scenery with buildings, trees, and distant hills.
Course Map

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

An overhead view of the starting line of a race. Numerous runners in colorful athletic gear gather beneath a large inflatable arch that reads "START" in bold black letters against a blue background. The street is filled with waiting participants ready to begin.
Start Map

Get an idea of where your Start Group will begin on the course...COMING SOON

Three participants in yellow shirts celebrate with high-fives as they cross the finish line of a race. The finish line banner is blue and white. Spectators line both sides of the dirt track, cheering the runners. The sky is partly cloudy.
Finish Line Map

Find out more about the finish line area...COMING SOON

A photo of the front of a blue bus
Post Event Buses

Find out where to hop on our post event shuttle buses...COMING SOON

A group of people pose in various postions in front of the camera. They are all wearing active gear
Getting to Hospo

Here's how to get to the hospo zone for your team's after party...COMING SOON

A group of people, including children and adults, are on a walk. Some of them are using wheelchairs. They are outdoors on a paved pathway with greenery and trees in the background. Everyone appears to be engaged and enjoying the walk.
Accessibility

We make it easy for all ages and fitness stages.

Official merchandise

Make Round the Bays even more memorable with our 2025 merch.

Look the part
A large group of runners participating in a marathon along a road near a coastal area. Colorful vertical sculpture visible on the left side. Background includes residential houses on hills and cloudy sky. Trees and grassy areas line both sides of the road.

Frequently asked questions

Still got a few questions? Head to our FAQs page to find the answer.

Event faqs
Type name of image here
A group of runners in athletic gear competes in a marathon on a sunny day. They are running on a paved road flanked by green trees, with some road signs and traffic lights visible in the background. The runners are focused and appear to be mid-race.Two teenage boys smile at the camera dressed in fancy dress as bananas A group of six enthusiastic individuals dressed in matching black shirts and pink tutus pose together on a road during a race. They are smiling, with some making playful gestures, while other participants can be seen running in the background.Three participants in yellow shirts celebrate with high-fives as they cross the finish line of a race. The finish line banner is blue and white. Spectators line both sides of the dirt track, cheering the runners. The sky is partly cloudy.A group of people is running on a road during a race, featuring a man and two children in the forefront, all with race bibs. The children are smiling and high-fiving, with other runners visible in the background. The atmosphere appears energetic and cheerful.Four runners, wearing white tank tops and black shorts, jog on a paved road during a race. They are jubilant, raising their arms in victory and smiling. Other runners and a race official are visible in the background. The landscape includes greenery and a cloudy sky.