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.
Round the bays

Fundraising

Charity is at the heart of Southern Cross Round the Bays. Start fundraising today or make a donation today to a charity close to your heart.

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A woman dressed in athletic gear , jumps with excitement during a marathon on a scenic coastal road. She is surrounded by other runners, including a man in an orange shirt with race number 663. The background shows trees and a distant shoreline.

Move, groove and make it matter

Over the years, Southern Cross Round the Bays has raised over $3.8 million for causes close to Kiwis' hearts. This year is no different. Join us as we stride towards our 2026 fundraising target of $350,000 across the series!
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Run for a reason and start fundraising or make a donation today to a charity that matters to you.

Start fundraising or make a donation

Whether you're taking part in Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland, start fundraising or make a donation to our official Charity Partner, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, or a cause close to your heart.
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Simply click on your event location below and get your fundraising journey underway!

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auckland

Offical Charity Partner 2026

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

We all have mental health and, just like our physical health, we all need to actively look after it. That’s why we’re proud to announce the Mental Health Foundation (the MHF) as our official Charity Partner for Round the Bays 2026.

Research shows that doing at least two and a half hours of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity each week boosts your mental wellbeing by more than 50%.* Just ask Monique Jones who ran her first Round the Bays last year, "I felt myself sinking into bad anxiety, but when I started running. It cleared my mind and helped me zone out and gather my thoughts", she shared.

Shaun Robinson, the  MHF's Chief Executive, agrees, "Everyone in Aotearoa deserves positive mental health", he says. "This partnership with Round the Bays is an incredible opportunity to share messages that promote positive wellbeing with all the participants, their supporters and the wider communities where these vibrant events take place."

By fundraising for the MHF, you'll be helping provide simple, everyday tools that people can use to take care of their own mental health and support their friends and whānau. Tools like the Five Ways to Wellbeing - Give, Keep Learning, Take Notice,Connect, and of course, Be Active.

Whether you run, jog, or walk, every step you take at Round the Bays can be a step for mental health.

* Richards, J., et al. (2018). Active NZ: Recreational physical activity and mental wellbeing. Sport NZ; AC Nielsen.

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Sports Youth Fund Recipient 2026

Level Playing Field

In 2021, to celebrate our 50th year, Round the Bays launched the Sports Youth Fund, gifting $10,000 annually towards an individual or team to help them achieve their sporting goals.

We are excited to have Level Playing Field join this legacy as the 2026 recipient.

Level Playing Field aims to ensure that all kiwis have the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activities, regardless of their background or circumstances.Using sport as a tool to develop better communication skills, confidence, friendships, team working ability, leadership skills and to build mental health resilience.

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Three people are playing boccia in a gym. A young child stands to the left, preparing to throw. A young person with a prosthetic leg stands in the center, also preparing to throw. A person in a wheelchair holds a ball on the right. Balls are scattered on the court.
Three people are playing boccia in a gym. A young child stands to the left, preparing to throw. A young person with a prosthetic leg stands in the center, also preparing to throw. A person in a wheelchair holds a ball on the right. Balls are scattered on the court.

Accessibility Partner 2026

Deaf Aotearoa

At Deaf Aotearoa we work tirelessly to ensure that Deaf people can access information, participate fully in society and connect through NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language).

We are thrilled to be an accessibility partner as part of the Southern Cross Round the Bays series. This is a chance for the Deaf community to be seen, included and celebrated while also doing something for their mental and physical health.

Being part of Round the Bays helps raise visibility of the Deaf community and the importance of accessibility - not just on the day, but every day - while raising some much-needed funds to support our mahi.

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Charity Package

Smash your fundraising goals when you purchase our Charity Package Find out more at support@grassrootz.com
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A Round the Bays Charity Package will ensure that your charity is top of mind when participants sign up and are looking for a worthy cause to support on their fun run journey.

The Charity Package offers a number of outstanding benefits for your charity including placement in the registration flow, brand awareness, free entries, Dollar Match Day and so much more!

Grassrootz, our Charity Fundraising Partner, is managing the 2026 Charity Package applications on our behalf. They are excited to connect with all charities for an easy, smooth transition for everyone involved.

A group of smile people raise their hands in celebration before starting a running event on a sunny day

Round the Bays events

An illustration of a bridge over water

Wellington

8.4km and 21km event
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Sunday 15 February
An illustration of a bridge over water

Christchurch

8.4km event
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Sunday 22 February  
An illustration of a bridge over water

Auckland

8.4km event
Find out more
Sunday 8 March 
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A group of people, some wearing medals, are joyfully posing with their arms raised, smiling, and displaying lively gestures on a grassy area by the beach. The background features a cloudy sky, distant water, and hills.A group of runners is participating in a marathon on a city street. They are wearing various athletic outfits and race bibs. The sky is partly cloudy, and spectators can be seen along the sides of the street. The lead runner is wearing a light blue shirt and white cap.A large crowd of people gathered on a street near a waterfront. Many individuals are cheering and waving. One person in the foreground is elevated on an orange structure, possibly giving a speech or directing the crowd. Buildings and a body of water are visible in the background.A man carries a child on his shoulders among a crowd of people walking outdoors. The child wears a yellow shirt, and the man is in a purple tie-dye shirt and has visible tattoos. The background shows trees and more participants in what appears to be a community event.Volunteers at a race event. A young boy in a red hat and yellow shirt labeled "race official" holds cups of water. Another child, also in a yellow shirt, handles water cups on a table. Participants in race attire are visible in the background.A group of people, including children and adults, are running in a race. They are wearing colorful outfits and tutus. The background shows a blue inflatable arch marking part of the race, and there are trees and spectators lining the route.