NBS Nelson Marathon
11 July 2026
Solo Marathon - Solo Half Marathon
2-Person Marathon Relay & 4-Person Marathon Relay
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ENTRIES FOR 2026 EVENT COMING SOON
4 events to choose from
Something for everyone
NBS 2-Person Marathon Relay
2 Legs - 21.1km each
NBS 4-Person Marathon Relay
4 Legs - 10.6km, 10.5km, 13.5km & 7.6km
The NBS Nelson Marathon boasts one of the most scenic and affordable marathons in the Country.
It began back in 2014, being the brainchild of Stu Cottam, and 13 years later, under Active4Good’s umbrella, the same philosophy of the Event continues, low cost to competitors and all proceeds to promoting active recreation in Nelson Tasman.
A stunning course with 99% off-road along Nelson Tasman's Great Taste Trail & Rabbit Island's Moturoa Trails. Note: All revised courses now start with 2.7km of sealed bike track before joining the gravelled trail.
All the courses follow a predominantly waterfront route around the scenic Waimea Inlet, one of Aotearoa’s most significant coastal ecosystems. This is an expansive estuarine environment teeming with biodiversity and cultural heritage. Current restoration efforts are underway to restore habitats for native birds, fish, and invertebrates, including threatened species like the banded rail and bar-tailed godwit. The inlet is a natural buffer against climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion. The restoration work is a powerful example of community-led conservation in action, with iwi, landowners, schools, volunteers, and agencies working together to revive a treasured taonga for future generations.
As you make your way around the inlet, you will experience the incoming tide and changing aspects of the light. There are views of the often snow dusted Mt Arthur & Richmond ranges and a chance to see shorebirds such as: Kōtuku - White Heron, Kōtare - Kingfisher, Tōrea - Oystercatcher, Poaka - Pied Stilt and many more.
It’s 100% flat and as fast as your legs allow…
We look forward to seeing you on the Saturday July 11 start line. Note: New start line is 8oom walk from registration and closer to Saxton parking areas.
We acknowledge the Nelson City Council and Nelson Regional Development Agency for their support of this event.
Race Options
Marathon 42.2km - age 16 upwards - entry $80 per person
Half Marathon 21.1km - age 14 upwards - entry $65 per person
(Note: Half competitors need to make their own way back from the Rabbit Island Finish Line)
2-Person Marathon Relay - 21.1km each leg - age 14 upwards - entry $65 per person
4-Person Marathon Relay - age 10 upwards - entry $120 per team
All entries incur a small service fee charged by the registration hosting company.
Every participant receives a medal!
Check out the Moturoa trails in this album from our April recce.
Trails.mp4Two sections of the Great Taste & Moturoa Trails
- Thanks to Gareth at KiwiMultiSport
Photos from the 2024 Mid-Winter-Marathon
Moturoa / Rabbit Island
Nelson Tasman, New Zealand
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