Round the Bays Christchurch is on Sunday 21 February 2027. The flat 8.4 km fun run follows the city's eastern waterfront from Tidal View in Ferrymead to Thomson Park in New Brighton, and near the end you can stay on the course or take the scenic route along the beach. Free shuttles run from the Bus Exchange to the start and back from the finish, and every finisher gets a medal.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Sunday 21 February 2027; all entrants at the start by 8.30 am
- Course
- Flat 8.4 km from Tidal View, Ferrymead, to Thomson Park, New Brighton
- Bib collection
- Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham Street South: Friday 19 February 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
- Shuttles
- Free with your bib from the Bus Exchange (Bay 8) to the start, and from Thomson Park back, 10.30 am to 2 pm
- Who
- All ages and fitness levels; infants 0 to 4 free
What it is
Round the Bays is New Zealand’s best-known fun run series, marking 55 years in 2027. The Christchurch edition is on Sunday 21 February 2027, along the city’s eastern waterfront from Tidal View in Ferrymead to Thomson Park in New Brighton.
The course
The 8.4 km course is flat and designed for all ages and fitness levels. As you near the finish you can choose your own adventure: stay on the course, or take the scenic route along the beach. You choose a start group based on your expected time, from elite to walker, and your time only starts when you cross the start mats, so there is no need to rush to the front.
Who it suits
Families, walkers, workplace teams and runners wanting a flat, fast-ish 8 km by the sea. Infants 0 to 4 take part free, and buggies go in the walker group.
Entry
Entry fees are on the official site and rise closer to race day, so enter early. Every finisher gets a medal and access to the finishers’ festival.
Race morning
Collect your bib from Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham Street South, on Friday 19 February (8 am to 6 pm) or Saturday 20 February (10 am to 4 pm). On race morning:
- Free shuttles run to the start from the Christchurch Bus Exchange (corner of Lichfield and Colombo Streets, Bay 8)
- The gear drop and info tent are at the start, on the corner of Humphreys Drive and Tidal View (info tent open 7.30 am to 9 am)
- Gear drop closes strictly at 8.30 am, when everyone must be at the start line
- The finishers’ festival at Thomson Park has live music, food and giveaways
- Free shuttles run from Bowhill Road and Thomson Park back to the Bus Exchange from 10.30 am to 2 pm
No valuables, backpacks or handbags at the gear drop.
Getting there
Use the event shuttles: parking near the start and finish is limited and roads are closed for the event.
Where to stay
Central Christchurch is handy for the Bus Exchange shuttles. Our things to do in Christchurch guide covers where to base yourself.
What to bring
A drink bottle, sunscreen and a hat, plus a warm layer: an easterly off the sea can make New Brighton cool even in February.
Make a trip of it
Stay on for the Botanic Gardens, the Port Hills and Akaroa with our things to do in Christchurch guide, or start a 14-day South Island road trip.
FAQ
When is Round the Bays Christchurch 2027?
Is the course flat?
How do I get to the start?
Where do I collect my bib?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
