Round The Bays

Round the Bays in Auckland is one of those must-do events

The inspiration for many events around the world, Auckland's Round the Bays is a huge event for the city and brings runners from all over New Zealand and beyond. It's not just the run, it's the social scene afterwards and the huge corporate programmes that go on into the night. It's a real day of celebration for runners and non runners alike.

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Auckland

The largest city in New Zealand, but not the capital, Auckland is located on the country's North Island and has a population of 1.5 million. It's a multicultural city, with nearly 40% of its residents born overseas. It's also known as Tāmaki Makaurau, Maori for 'Tāmaki desired by many', thanks to its natural resources and its stunning location.

It's the location, which makes it such a good base for exploring its natural world. There are beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all so close to the city centre. Walk through the region’s largest native forest in the Hunua Ranges, the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park west of the city centre, with more than 250 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks, or explore the striking landscapes of some of Auckland’s regional parks. If you're a beach lover these are on the doorstep and are at the heart of the Round the Bays course. Visit Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers, just a few minutes from downtown.

Auckland is full of attractions for all the family. Its skyline is dominated by the Sky Tower, with its incredible viewing platform, and if you're feeling brave there's the Sky Jump, definitely the quickest way of getting down. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World has sharks and penguins.and Auckland Zoo has more than 117 species and 700 animals. Auckland Museum gives you everything you need to know about the city and its surroundings and there are daily Maori cultural performances. To experience the city's love affair with the water head to the Viaduct Harbour and soak in its America's Cup yachting history and enjoy one or more of its quality restaurants and bars. Nearby is the Wynyard Quarter, with its Dockline Tram giving visitors a close up view of everything it has to offer. There are three main wine growing regions here, one of which is just across the water from the Round the Bays course, Waiheke Island. Known as ‘New Zealand’s Island of Wine’, it has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique microclimate and the winemakers’ philosophy of “small is beautiful”, Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand’s most prestigious wines. There are also boutique wineries north of the city in Matakana and the oldest of them all in Kumeu.

Heading along Tamaki Drive

History of Round the Bays

Inspired by Sydney's City2Surf event, the first Round the Bays run was held in 1972. There were 1,200 at the debut race organised by the Auckland Joggers Club. Numbers climbed steadily, peaking ten years later at 42,000. There are now regularly 30,000 running, although it was estimated that 70,000 ran in 2011. Many run without officially entering, joining from the sides as the race progresses, so the total is often greater than the official figures.

Race Organiser

The Auckland Joggers and Stuff Events. It is a not for profit event.

When is Round the Bays

The race is held annually in March

Distances

8.4km

Is there an expo?

Bib Collection is at Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Westhaven Marina in Auckland on Thursday through Saturday.

How many runners?

30,000

The course

It's a nice leisurely start, with the first of three waves going off until 9.15am, with the final wave, the walkers, starting 45 minutes later. It all begins on Quay St, right next to Spark Arena, with the finish line at St Heliers Bay. The Spark Arena opened in 2007 attracts some of the biggest names in the world of sports and entertainment. From Beyonce to Cirque du Soleil, and major sporting events, it's a major events space that can cater for up to 12,000 people. There will be a lot more than that waiting outside to get started on the 8.4 miles from Quay Street and along Tamaki Drive. It's a flat, point to point course, finishing in St Heliers Bay.

The mass start on Quay Street

The views from the start are incredible. The first one is of Judges Bay, where the heliport is located and then its across to Okahu Bay. The vistas here of the Hauraki Gulf and the coastal town of Devonport across the water are breathtaking. Just past the beach runners pass Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, founded by the renowned Kiwi archaeologist and diver of the same name. There are stingrays, turtles, octopuses, venomous fish like pufferfish and stonefish, as well as king and gentoo penguins. Visitors can also snorkel with the fish, swim with sharks or stingrays, or ride the Antarctic Snowcat snowmobile to see the penguins. Kelly Tarlton’s also plays an important conservation role, as it has New Zealand’s only turtle-rescue center.

It's then past Fort Bastion, built between 1886 and 1889 at Bastion Point, as part of New Zealand's coastal defences and into one of Auckland's most popular suburbs, Mission Bay. It's always busy here, with locals and visitors taking advantage of the gorgeous beach and the setting. Kayaks and stand up paddleboards are popular ways of exploring the bay, but many just prefer taking time out on the beach and soaking it all in. for more relaxation there's the Selwyn Reserve, named after George Augustus Selwyn, New Zealand’s first Anglican Bishop. Its Memorial Fountain is made of Sicilian marble and shoots plumes of water up to 12 metres high at regular intervals. The crowds here are among the best on the course and runners can expect masses of support as they head towards the finish in the next bay. Many finishers will have walked to Mission Bay to take advantage of its great bars and cafes.

Vellenoweth Green in St Heliers Bay is where the race finishes. It's a huge party with many local businesses using it as a way of getting their teams active. There are marquees everywhere, including for beneficiary charities. St Heliers Bay is another of Auckland's crown jewels. It has a unique character, with a village-like atmosphere, with boutique stores and quality bars, cafes and restaurants. After the race, walk along the cliffs at low tide to Ladies Bay, a more secluded and equally picturesque beach at the mouth of the Tamaki Estuary. There are awesome views of Rangitoto Island here; it's the distinctive volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Even though the event has 45 minutes between start groups and many walk the course, most people don't rush off from the finish. It's a huge day in Auckland and most stay for a while. There are plenty of food and drink options and a quick stroll into St Heliers opens up many more.

Hundreds of volunteers are involved on race day

What's unique?

It's the biggest race in New Zealand.

Do charities benefit?

Over the years Round the Bays has raised over $3.5 million for New Zealand charities.

Our verdict

This is New Zealand's biggest running event and if you're into big events you'll love it. It's only a relatively short one and many people taking part don't even run it, but it's one that you need to tick off. It's a long way to travel just for this, but if you are planning a trip to New Zealand then synchronise your dates and register now.

How to register

Online via the website. It's a first come first served registration process, with no ballot.

Race website

https://www.roundthebays.co.nz/