Over 7000 Tackle 61st Red Stag Rotorua Marathon

Rotorua was abuzz today as thousands of runners, supporters, and volunteers came together for the 61st edition of the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. The lake city was treated to a vibrant festival atmosphere as runners turned down Eat Streat and paraded down the new look finish line outside the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. With total participants for the 2025 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon eclipsing 7000, the energy was palpable in the finish village as runners, and walkers completed their own journeys at the 61st edition of the iconic event.

In the men's marathon, Daniel Balchin clinched victory with a time of 2:24:41, narrowly out kicking local, Cullern Thorby, who finished in 2:24:43. Local favourite Michael Voss secured third place with a time of 2:26:52. Balchin reported that “neither of us could really drop the other” as they both battled over the closing kilometres back into the heart of Rotorua. “I managed to get a break on him in the last kilometre and hold on to that to the finish”. On the women's side, Billie Haresnape led the pack, finishing in 3:03:49, followed closely by Rachel O'Brien at 3:04:31 and Kovo MacDonald at 3:07:27. Haresnape shared her joy in not only winning the event but also simply finishing the event. “I’ve only run three times in the last 8 weeks, I’ve been mostly on the bike.” After an earlier injury saw her off her feet for her build up. She’ll now turn her attention to an Ironman in Germany later in 2025.

The NZCT Half Marathon saw impressive performances, with local Casey Thorby winning the men's race in 1:11:38. Tyler Jerram and Anton Weatherhead followed, finishing in 1:14:29 and 1:15:29, respectively. Kumiko Otani dominated the women's half marathon, completing it in 1:21:58, ahead of Lauren Spyker (1:27:45) and Mia Fletcher (1:30:50).

The Go Media 12km race debuted a stunning new course in 2025, capturing the essence of Rotorua’s geothermal beauty and forested trails. Runners were treated to a dramatic start at Te Puia, the cultural and geothermal heart of Rotorua, where they passed the world-famous

Pōhutu Geyser as it erupted into the morning sky, a uniquely Rotorua moment that set the tone for the race. Before weaving through the world renowned Whakarewarewa Forest and heading back to the new look finish.

In the men’s race, Corin Jack claimed victory in 45:57, holding off a strong challenge from Brodie Deer (46:17) and William Hylkema (46:43). On the women’s side, Sofia Maulvurfs impressed with a decisive win in 49:08, with Alayna Le Comte (49:48) and Katie Elmitt (50:30) rounding out the podium.

The Te Arawa Marae to Marae Relay made a triumphant return, with over 900 participants across 25 teams. Team HOHOWAI clinched the win, completing the relay in 4:45:13, followed by TAPUAEKURA and HURUNGATERANGI.

As the day winds down, the energy ramps up as attention now turns to the evening's runway events at Rotorua Airport. The Runway5 and the New Zealand 5km Road Championships promise thrilling races under the stars, capping off an unforgettable weekend of running in Rotorua.

For full results, visit https://www.sportsplits.com/races/red-stag-rotorua-marathon-2025

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