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round the bays

We're growing the movement
grab your entry

Southern Cross Round the Bays is New Zealand’s funnest fun run series

Three cities, three times the fun! Get ready to lace up and maybe even dress up for NZ’s largest fun run series. Legendary in Auckland and Wellington and now in Christchurch. Grab your friends, whānau or workmates for 8.4km course packed with entertainment and vitamin sea. Take in one, two or all three in the summer of 2026. RTB: Putting the fun in fun run.

Whether you're keen to run, walk or roll, Round the Bays is for all ages and fitness stages and is a great way for you to raise money for a charity close to your heart.

About round the bays

Round the Bays series

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Wellington

8.4km and 21km event
Find out more
Sunday 15 February
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Christchurch

8.4km event
Find out more
Sunday 22 February  
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Auckland

8.4km event
Find out more
Sunday 8 March 
A large crowd of runners is gathered at the starting line of an outdoor marathon event. Blue inflatable arches mark the start, with streets lined by barriers and volunteers in orange vests. Surrounding the scene are tall city buildings and trees, under an overcast sky.

Come dressed in theme

For 2026, the Round the Bays theme goes ELEMENTAL — a celebration of the wild natural forces that shape Aotearoa. Each location honours a different element:

In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, channel the heat of Fire as you blaze past the mighty Rangitoto.

In Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, embrace the power of Wind as it lifts you through the capital’s iconic waterfront.

And in Ōtautahi Christchurch, flow with the rhythm of Water alongside rivers, estuaries and open skies.

Whether you run with fire, move with the wind or roll with the tide — this is your chance to bring the elements to life.

Move, groove and make it matter

Run for a reason and start fundraising or make a donation today to a charity that matters to you.

A group of people wearing matching bright green shirts pose enthusiastically with arms raised in front of large green tents on a sunny day. The group looks joyful and united, likely participating in an outdoor event or activity.

Hospitality

Gather your crew, book a hospo package and celebrate your achievements after the race with kai and sweaty high-fives.

Hospitality packages
A smiling girl wearing a black cap and white shirt proudly shows off a medal labeled "Round the Bays" " She is sitting on the grass with a large tent and several people in the background.

Merchandise

Make Round the Bays even more memorable with our official 2026 event merch.

Get the official kit
Three individuals are walking during a running event, all smiling and making celebratory gestures. They wear athletic gear with visible race bibs. Other participants are seen in the background, and the setting is a city street with trees and buildings nearby.

Fundraise

Run for a reason! Fundraise or donate to a charity close to your heart.

Fundraising
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A person running on a road, dressed in a red cap, red shirt, and blue overall shorts, resembling a popular video game character. The individual is wearing a race bib and has a mustache. The background includes a grassy area and a concrete structure.A female runner in a maroon outfit crosses the finish line at a race event sponsored by "Round the Bays." Spectators line both sides of the path, cheering her on as she passes under a blue inflatable arch. A person in a yellow vest stands to the right.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.A woman wearing a black tank top and race bib smiles and makes a peace sign with both hands while running in a crowded race. Other participants are visible in the background on a paved road.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.Two women in athletic gear cross the finish line of a race, holding hands and raising their arms in celebration. They are surrounded by cheering spectators and banners that say "Sport Wellington." The atmosphere is jubilant, and both women appear elated.