Dunedin Marathon

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Sports & AdventureDunedin
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceOriginally run by the Otago Branch of the NZ
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NZD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Dunedin Marathon in Dunedin

Debuting in 1979 and organised by the Caversham Harrier and Athletic Club since 1985, the Emerson's Dunedin Marathon follows the scenic Otago Harbour and Peninsula coastline to a finish outside Emerson's Brewery, drawing a record 3,778 participants across all distances in September 2025, its largest field yet.

The Dunedin Marathon first ran in 1979, organised in its earliest years by the Otago Branch of the NZ Federation of Sports Medicine, a body more focused on athletic health than event production.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Originally run by the Otago Branch of the NZ Federation of Sports Medicine, the marathon passed to the Caversham Harrier and Athletic Club in 1985, which has organised it ever since, a rare example of continuous single-club stewardship for a regional marathon spanning four decades

02

The mystery stays covered

Forced to cancel in both 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the race returned successfully in 2022 as the 42nd Dunedin Marathon, and Emerson's Brewery became naming sponsor in 2021, giving the event its finish line at a working craft brewery on the harbour

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Finishing at Emerson's Brewery

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the event's naming sponsor since 2021

The sacred route

Living ritual

and the harbour and peninsula coastal course have become defining features of the race's identity within New Zealand's marathon circuit

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Layered running gear suited to cool, often windy mid-September coastal conditions, with a windproof outer layer for the exposed harbour and peninsula sections of the course.

Safety

At Dunedin Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Dunedin, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

NZD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map45.87 S, 170.50 EOpen in Google Maps

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

Nearest airportDUD — Dunedin
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Dunedin, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Dunedin via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Dunedin, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearLayered running gear suited to cool, often windy mid-September coastal conditions, with a windproof outer layer for the exposed harbour and peninsula sections of the course.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for New Zealand and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Dunedin Marathon?

Dunedin Marathon is listed for September · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Dunedin Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Dunedin, New Zealand. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLworldsmarathons.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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