2026 Urban Estates Selwyn Marathon

The 2026 Urban Estates Selwyn Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 31st May 2026, at the Lincoln Events Centre in Lincoln, Selwyn District, Canterbury, New Zealand. Taking place during the King's Birthday Long Weekend, the event offers a variety of road racing distances set against a backdrop that transitions from developing urban landscapes to scenic rural scenery. Typical weather conditions in Lincoln during late May often include cool temperatures and mild spring-to-autumn transitional breezes, so participants should prepare for varying conditions. The course is designed to be flat and fast, providing an optimized environment for both competitive runners and recreational walkers.

What distances are available for the 2026 Urban Estates Selwyn Marathon?

• →Full Marathon (42.2km) – Consists of two loops of the 21.1km course
• →Half Marathon (21.1km) – A single loop of the course
• →10km – An out and back course

How is the race start formatted for different distances and categories?

• →Marathon: All runners start together in a single group
• →Half Marathon: Separate start times are provided for the Run and Walk categories
• →10km: Separate start times are provided for the Run and Walk categories

What are the specific course details for each distance?

• →Marathon & Half Marathon: These races utilize a 21.1km loop starting and finishing at the Lincoln Events Centre. The route travels through Rossendale Wines via the Akaroa Highway and continues onto Old Tai Tapu Road. Note that the Half Marathon start point is approximately 78 metres ahead of the marathon start, which results in slightly offset kilometer markers. You can preview the course via Relive ↗.
• →10km: This is a straight out and back course featuring only 10 metres of total elevation gain.

What hydration and aid stations are provided?

• →Aid stations are located at approximately: 4km, 9.5km, 15km, 21km, 25km, 30.5km, 36km, and at the Finish Line.
• →Provided drinks include R-Line Electrolyte Drinks and Water.
• →Cups are supplied at all stations, so personal cups are not required.
• →Participants using hydration vests can refill their own bottles or bladders at any station.

Are there any prizes or awards for the race?

• →For the 10km event, the top three finishers will receive a wine sample as a prize.

What is the course certification?

• →The course is a flat, fast road route certified by a Certificated Road Race Course Measurer for World Athletics and is graded and certified in cooperation with AIMS.