ASICS Runaway Hawke's Bay Marathon Just One Month Away

Excitement is building for the return of the ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon, with just one month to go until the eighth edition of this popular event.

Taking place on Saturday 18 May 2024, thousands of athletes and their supporters will descend on Hawke’s Bay to enjoy a weekend of running, exploring and indulging.

The event caters for participants of all abilities with four distances to choose from – the ASICS Marathon, La Roche Posay Half Marathon, 10km, and the Kennedy Park Resort Kids Run.

The courses take runners and walkers through a scenic tour of the region, along Napier’s beautiful waterfront, winding through Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails and quiet country roads and finishing at the impressive Elephant Hill Winery and Estate for a food and wine festival.

Now in its eighth year, the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon has become an important event for the region, bringing in around $7 million in economic benefit each year with more than three quarters of registered athletes travelling to the event from outside the region.

Keegan McCauley, Race Director of the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon, said the region and event team are excited to welcome athletes and their supporters back to the event in 2024.

“Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon is a runner’s dream, flat easy running surrounded by countryside and flanked by coastline, with a finish line set amongst the vines at Elephant Hill featuring a food and wine festival, live music, and celebrations with friends and whānau,” said McCauley.

“With just one month to go, the Hawke's Bay region is ready and excited to welcome athletes and their supporters back to their iconic wine country, and our team can’t wait to see you all on the start line on Saturday 18 May.”

With entry prices rising at midnight tonight, 18 April, McCauley says there is no better time than now to register for the event and start planning a weekend away in Hawke’s Bay.

“Entries remain open across all distances – marathon, half marathon, 10km and kids run – and with just one month to go now is the time to grab your mates, commit to training and register for this epic event. Hop off the fence today and you and your squad can save valuable pennies that could be put toward extra activities during race weekend,” he added.

Entries for the 2024 ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon are available via the event website. Prices rise tonight, 18 April, at 11:59pm.