EVENT INFO

What you need to know

DATE: 17th October 2026
LOCATION: 562 East Coast Road, Kaiaua, 2473, New Zealand

START TIMES:

Bib pick up from 6:15am 

21K walk – 7:00am

10K walk – 8:20am

21k run – 8:30am

10k run – 8:50am

5k walk/run 9:00am

Kids race 10:00am

Prize giving 10:40am

Cut off time for all distances: 11:30am

 

PRICING

SUPER EARLY BIRD - from 15th April

5K

$15

10K

$19

21K

$39

Register now

EARLY BIRD - from 1st May

5K

$20

10K

$25

21K

$49

STANDARD - from 1st June

5K

$29

10K

$35

21K

$69

LATE - from 1st October

5K

$35

10K

$45

21K

$89

21K COURSE DESCRIPTION

Starting at Rays Rest Reserve, this is a 2 lap out-and-back course. The Half Marathon takes off along the coastal Hauraki Rail Trail. A smooth and flowing course over hard-packed sand, grass, and smooth metal sections – no hills, just pure running. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone chasing a quick time.

You’ll enjoy an immersive coastal experience along the way, passing the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre, the Taramaire Wildlife Reserve pond—an important local habitat—the photogenic Access Bay Train Shelter, and continuing on past the Robert Findlay bird hides. This stretch can host thousands of migratory birds across the expansive mudflats. An iconic 2 lap course that rewards all out there soaking it. Get ready to soar!

Treat yourself to aid stations with water and electrolytes. Remember your reusable cups! This year we’re going cup free.

NIKON 10K COURSE DESCRIPTION

This classic out-and-back course starts at Rays Rest Reserve and takes off along the coastal Hauraki Rail Trail. A smooth and flowing course over hard-packed sand, grass, and smooth metal sections—no hills, just pure running. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone chasing a quick time.

You’ll enjoy an immersive coastal experience along the way, passing the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre, the Taramaire Wildlife Reserve pond—an important bird habitat—the photogenic Access Bay Train Shelter and continuing on past the Robert Findlay bird hides. This stretch can host thousands of migratory birds across the expansive mudflats. An iconic course that rewards all out there soaking it. Get ready to soar!

Treat yourself to aid stations with water and electrolytes. Remember your reusable cups! This year we’re going cup free.

5K COURSE DESCRIPTION

The 5k course brings the vibes and atmosphere! With walkers and runners starting together, this is the perfect way to soak up an energetic dose of the Pūkorokoro/Miranda shoreline.

Starting at Rays Rest Reserve the course takes off along the coastal Hauraki Rail Trail. A smooth and flowing course over hard-packed sand, grass, and smooth metal sections—no hills, just pure running. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone chasing a quick time.

You’ll enjoy an immersive coastal experience along the way, passing the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre, the Taramaire Wildlife Reserve pond—an important bird habitat—the photogenic Access Bay Train Shelter and then back to Rays Rest. Get ready to soar!

KUAKA KIDS RACE

The Kuaka Kids Race is a fun 1.5km loop for ages 4–12, where kids follow the incredible migration of Pūkorokoro’s own godwit/kuaka. Along the way, they’ll stop at stations as they “fly” to Alaska, China, and back home to New Zealand.

Dress up in your best bird costume for a chance to win a prize, and every child will receive a goody pack to take home. Entry just $5.

fAQs

Are walkers welcome?

Yes! We have categories for walkers and runners.

Yes, entry includes a handmade, custom medal for the 5k, 10k and 21k.

Yes, it's one of the flattest courses you will find. Great for speed or first timers.

 No, it's all trail. It's nice and flat, wide bike trail with mostly hard packed sand and some grass sections.

Yes. Most photos will be on our Facebook page and some will be displayed here on the website.

No sorry, it's a sensitive wildlife area.

Yes! There will be a selection of food trucks and coffee on site.

Yes, just send us an email at theshorebirdcoastrun@gmail.com and we will make any required changes.

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