Run the coast – chase the views! The Coastal is a celebration of scenery, challenge and community, offering a unique running and walking event set in Timaru, along the stunning east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Widely regarded as one of the most scenic running events in the country, the course is both beautiful and diverse – featuring a mix of packed and loose trails, roads and footpaths.
With 5km, 10km, and half marathon options, there’s a distance to suit every participant. All events start and finish at Timaru’s iconic Caroline Bay, providing the perfect setting for supporters and a vibrant location to celebrate post race.
The event is steadily gaining momentum, with 2025 recording record participation at 670 individuals, with 145% growth, of which one third of participants visiting from out of town. The vision now is to grow participation to 1,000–1,200 athletes and increase overnight visitation and visitor spend across the district.
Community involvement is central to the success of The Coastal 2025, with more than 30 volunteers contributing across race operations, course marshalling, registration and the start/finish area. The event was proudly supported by two local volunteer organisations, Rotary and the Aorangi Croquet Club, whose members played an integral role in delivering a safe and welcoming event. In recognition of their contribution, The Coastal donated more than $3,000 back to these organisations, supporting their ongoing work within the Timaru community.
Wherever possible, the event prioritises local suppliers and contractors, ensuring event expenditure remained within the South Canterbury economy. This includes infrastructure, traffic management, medical services, signage, equipment hire and other operational services, creating direct economic benefits for local businesses.
Beyond the economic impact, The Coastal strengthens community connections by bringing together volunteers, local businesses, schools, sponsors and participants to deliver an event that showcases Timaru’s hospitality and community spirit. These partnerships not only enhance the participant experience but also have helped establish The Coastal as a growing event of which the local community can continue to support and take pride.
The Coastal is run by South Island Masters Games — an incorporated non for profit society proudly based in Timaru.
Entries for the event on 16-17 October 2026 open are now open.
The Coastal 2026 | Timaru’s Scenic Running & Walking Event
