Elemental Theme For Monumental Round The Bays Series

Lace up, team up, maybe even dress up – but prepare to rock up to New Zealand’s funnest fun run, Southern Cross Round the Bays 2026.

Registrations are now open for the country’s iconic three-city series – held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington and Ōtautahi Christchurch, in February and March next year.

Each city brings its own energy, scenery and local flavour — and in 2026, the series gets a fresh spark with the theme Elemental.

In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, channel the heat of Fire (ahi) as you blaze past Rangitoto Island. In Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, embrace the power of Wind (hau) as it lifts you around the capital’s iconic waterfront. And in Ōtautahi Christchurch, flow with the rhythm of Water (wai) alongside rivers, estuaries, and open skies.

All three locations feature an 8.4km course around the waterfront of the city, and the capital’s event also has an additional 21.1km half-marathon option.

Three’s a crowd in what promises to be a sea of energetic colour. Participants can run, jog, walk or roll the courses – making it great for all ages and abilities. Whether it’s a business taking part for team bonding, families bringing generations together or hard-core runners, the waterfront courses dotted with entertainment acts, make it a memorable day out.

“Southern Cross Round the Bays has a 100-year pedigree between Auckland and Wellington, and last year we launched to thousands in Christchurch,” event director Henry McLernon, says.

“It’s a fantastic morning making memories as you pace round the bays, and whether you’re walking it for the first time, or running it aiming to beat your PB, there is a finisher’s medal for all and great vibes from that sense of achievement.”

Southern Cross is a significant and committed supporter, as Round the Bays closely aligns with its vision to enable healthier years for more New Zealanders.

“This unique event brings people together to have fun while being active, principles we wholeheartedly live by,” Chris White, Southern Cross Healthcare CEO says. “This is a way for people of all ages and abilities to get out of bed, off the couch and simply join in. Our team loves taking part – whether it’s participating as part of Team Southern Cross or supporting the finish line massages – there is a real feel-good factor.”

As well as feel good, Round the Bays is also a do-good event that has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for a wide range of causes. The 2026 official charity partner is the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

“Like physical health, mental health is something we all have – it’s a taonga (treasure) – and we need it to look after it,” says the Mental Health Foundation’s chief executive Shaun Robinson. “Every four dollars raised through the Round the Bays series will allow us to reach one more person and give them the simple tools to take care of their mental health, and help friends and whānau do the same.”

Southern Cross Round the Bays 2026

Supersaver registrations are open until midnight on September 14:

• Adult - $35
• Child (5-16 years) - $15
• Infant (0-4 years) - free
• Additional discount applies for families (added at registration with at last 1 adult & 2 children)

To enter, head to: roundthebays.co.nz

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