The FUN event for Everyone - 1/2 Marathon and 10 km run/walk events and 2 km Marafun
The Whale Run is brought to you by Kaikōura Suburban School where kids get an education they will remember for life.
This is our biggie for the serious runners, walkers and self-challenge doers.
The classic 10km course has been tweaked to 12km with bush trail and peninsula views.
A NEW distance for those wanting to push themselves beyond the Marafun and for those who want a bit of a ‘get fit’ challenge.
The race for preschoolers and early primary school-age children (8 years and under). The Marafun is off-road in the safety of the school grounds.
Now into its 19th year, the Kaikōura Whale Run began life in the school grounds of Kaikōura Suburban School as the Kaikōura Suburban Half Marathon. The idea was to create a fun event fundraiser that could encourage folk to have a get fit project over winter to feel great for the summer. It has proven to be very popular and last year was no exception with the addition of the 5km Run/Walk and the new course taking competitors over farmland, rivers and through bush, rewarding them with stunning scenery to take in on the way. Thanks to the continued support and sponsorship of local businesses and you, the competitors, we bring you the bigger and even better Kaikōura Whale Run 2025! A new year, spectacular trails and finisher medals for all competitors including the kids Marafun. Come one, come all, for a fantastic fundraiser event for the whole family!
The team loved your event last year and I would love to get up and participate in something this year.
I just want to congratulate and thank you.
Congratulations for organising such a successful running event. All of the students I have talked to really enjoyed it as did our Principal. Our students felt a real sense of accomplishment at finishing the race.
Thanks again for a wonderful event. Am happy to promote to all my running friends.
A big thank you for the prize. It was unexpected and very generous.
A huge thanks and congrats for another successful Whale Run. You guys rock, such a great team of organisers and effort all round. Glad it was a great day and record numbers. Awesome stuff
Thank you for an amazing event, I'll be sharing with all my friends how great the Kaikoura Whale Run is!!!
Great event. Will be back next year, thanks!
I love running with Harold the Giraffe.
Fantastic views & course.
Lovely brisk stroll the dappled wattle tree lanes, with picturesque snow-capped peaks in the background - superb!
Brilliant event. I love it, so community centred. Thank you
Started great, finished sore, happy with time! May it continue, love Whale run each year.
The Kaikōura Whale Run
Kaikōura Suburban School
425 Schoolhouse Road
R D 1
Kaikōura 7371
Ph. 03 319 5064
you can email us
Thank you for joining us for the 2024 Whale Run – we appreciate your support!
We welcome you to join us at our 2025 event which is scheduled for Saturday 6th September 2025.
Entries open early 2025 – see you there!