South Island Half Marathon 2026
The South Island Half Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at Lake Hood in Ashburton, New Zealand. Participants can expect cool and calm morning conditions typical of the early August season in the Canterbury region, providing an ideal environment for endurance performance. This road event features a flat, certified course around the scenic perimeter of Lake Hood, offering continuous water views and passage through local gardens and reserves. All proceeds from the event go toward supporting the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
What are the available race categories and distances?
- →Half Marathon (21.1 km): Available for runners, walkers, or a hybrid of both (Minimum age: 13)
- →1/6 Marathon (7 km): Available for runners or walkers (Minimum age: 10)
- →Kidz Dash (1.5 km): Available for children aged 7–13
What is the event schedule and start times?
- →Walkers & Hybrid (Half Marathon): 9:30 AM (Briefing at 9:25 AM)
- →Runners (Half Marathon & 7 km): 10:00 AM (Briefing at 9:50 AM)
- →Kidz Dash: 10:08 AM (Briefing at 10:05 AM)
Where is the course located and what is the terrain like?
The race is held at Lake Hood in Ashburton. The course is a flat, road-surface loop that is World Athletics / AIMS certified.
- →Half Marathon: 3 laps around Lake Hood
- →7 km: 1 lap around Lake Hood
- →Start/Finish Line: Located at the Lake House at Lake Hood
What facilities and aid stations are provided on the course?
Drink stations are located at the following points:
- →Near the start/finish area
- →Approximately every 1 km marker throughout the course
- →At the ~3.5 km mark
Are there any accessibility restrictions for the course?
- →The course is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
- →Achilles athletes are permitted to participate.
- →Because the course uses a lap format, runners will encounter walkers and slower participants; courtesy and awareness are required.
What kind of weather should I expect?
As the event is held in early August in Ashburton, participants should prepare for cool and calm conditions, which are generally favorable for maintaining endurance during a long-distance run.