New Zealand Top 10 Running Events

New Zealand Top 10  Running Events 2015/16

Thank you for nominating and voting for your favourite events. 38 events were nominated by you on the Runningskirt Shop Facebook page. All nominated events were then added to the voting poll and when voting opened all event managers were contacted about their event nominations.

Its great to see the amount of support these events have throughout the year as we had over 1200 votes and this is what you decided were this years Must Do Running Events. Congratulations to the events that were nominated and those that made the Top 10. Add these events to your running calendar this year!

	ASB KeriKeri Half Marathon This year's winner of New Zealands Must Do Running Events is the iconic ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon. This a predominantly downhill run from Okaihau through rolling countryside and finishes in the town centre of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. It runs in November each year and you can run as an individual or in a team. There's a street party to enjoy after the event, this goes into the night,  dance the night away or chill out with live bands and grab a bite to eat from the foodstalls..
	Buller Gorge Marathon   The Buller Gorge is often referred to as New Zealand's most scenic mararthon course.  It starts at Hawks Crag and heads along the undulating Buller Gorge Highway finishing in Westport.  There's a 1/2 marathon, marathon and relay  options.  It's held in February each year, This is one event people don't do just once, it becomes an annual piligramage.
	Run for your Freak'n Life You are guaranteed to get a PB on this 5km obstacle and adventure race when you're being chased down by brain hungy virus spreading zombies.   This is held at Spookers in Auckland every May. A seriously fun event to do with a group of friends or a get a team of workmates together. Dress up, run, take on the  obstacle course and enjoy a mud bath.
	Julians Berry Farm & Cafe Tois Challenge The Toi's Challenge is an 18km stunning trail run in Whakatane. The course takes you through beautiful pohutukawa forest, across the deserted Otarawairere Beach and through undulating forest paths of the Ohope Beach  Reserve. When you cross the finish line enjoy a fresh punnet of strawberries.
	The Nugget Enjoy the carnival atmosphere and stunning scenery at this Multisport Fesitval at Waihi and Wahihi Beach in the southern Coromandel. . There's something for everyone here, 5km or 10km run/walk, 21km Adventure Run, the Half Nugget Duathlon of the Full Nugget Multisport Race. Every event will spoil you with gorgeous sights, make a weekend of this one
	Paihia Half Marathon Stunning native bush, boardwalks, beautiful Haruru Falls and  stunning coasting views of the Bay of Islands are only a few of the treats this beautiful half marathon or 12km offers.  Book your bib for the 2016 June event. There's a great post event evening party at the local Thirty30 bar with live music and free nibbles.
	The Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon The Saint Clair Vineyard 1/2 marathon in Marlborough in May will have you running through private vineyard land.  This is a fun event, bagpipes hoot from one vineyard, while a banjo and bongos play at another, you can even experience a little wine tasting on your travels.  You're rewarded for your effort with a bottle of Saint Clair wine when you finish. No wonder this event sells out!
	Marina2Marina Picton stages a picturesque 9km and 13km Run and a 2km kids dash in October.  The 13km Snout Run combines some tough hill climbs with amazing views of the inner Marlborough Sounds or choose the 9km Marina2Marina track follows the Picton to Waikawa track along the base of the Snout and is aimed at both runners and walkers. This is a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy.
	The Hillary Conquer your Everest is the slogan this epic race uses and for very good reason. The Hillary offers a 16km, 34km and 80km trail run events in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland. There are some serious hills to scale but you will be well rewarded with the coastal vistas over the rugged West Coast beaches, through marshlands, over sand dunes and through lush native Kauri forest with big waterfalls. If you want to test your limits this is a must do. The Hillary runs in February.
	The Great Naseby Water Race This event is run at the end of August each year in the historical mining town of Naseby.  The course is a 10km figure 8 loop on a mix of forest roads and trail. There's a 50km, 80km, 100km, 100mile, 200k and 60km team options. This is a great event for getting out there and having a bash at your first ultra, or for the experienced it's a course to get a PB.