Ready, set go! Entries open for McLeans Forest Run
Come out and enjoy your regional park. Register for the McLeans Forest Run - our brand‑new winter trail run event happening on 5 July at McLeans Forest, just outside Christchurch. Sign up before 3rd June for early bird pricing and to go in the draw for early entry prizes.
Date: Sunday 5th July 2026.
Location: McLeans Forest, Waimakariri Regional Park (15 minutes from Christchurch).
Distance: 5km, 10km, Half Marathon.
Who can enter: Runners and walkers of all abilities.
Registration: Via Race Roster - early bird entries close 3rd June.
Experience one of our region’s most loved forests in a whole new way and sign up for McLeans Forest Run.
Located just 15 minutes out of Christchurch, McLeans Forest is part of the Waimakariri Regional Park. The park’s natural features and varied terrain make for a great course. Runners will loop through mature pine forests and journey along riverbanks – taking in the views and enjoying all our park has to offer.
Register for the McLeans Forest Run.
Course options and early bird pricing
There’s a range of course options to suit all outdoor lovers and it's not just for runners - walkers can compete in all the events too, including the half marathon.
Challenge yourself to a:
- half marathon (21.1km) - for runners looking for a longer challenge.
- 10km - a popular mid-distance option.
- 5km - ideal for beginners, families, or those wanting a more relaxed course.
Aid stations will be available along the course with water, PURE electrolytes, first aid and toilets. Everyone who competes will get a medal, there’ll be spot prizes up for grabs, and a special medal for the placegetters.
All three events will start and finish at Frazer Oval, where supporters, families and friends will be able to enjoy coffee and enjoy the atmosphere at a central race hub.
Early birds catch the prizes and cheaper registration fees - sign up before 3 June to take advantage of early bird pricing and go in the draw for some great prizes.
Celebrating 20 years of enjoying our regional park
Christchurch West/Ōpuna Councillor Sarah Gerard says the run is about creating something special and long‑lasting at McLeans Forest, so more people can appreciate its facilities and community value.
“The forest was opened to the public nearly 20 years ago in September 2006 - this event is a fun chance to celebrate 20 years of the park, enjoy winter running on forest trails, and be part of the very first organised run-event held here,” she said.
The course will use a mix of dedicated walking and running tracks, shared trails and newly formed grassed sections, giving participants a varied and scenic experience through the forest.
It's hoped the run will become an annual event with new routes each year, allowing returning participants to experience different parts of the park over time.
How to register and early-bird entries
Registrations are being managed through Race Roster, and organisers are encouraging people to sign-up early to secure their spot on the start line.
Early‑bird entries are open now until 3rd June 2026, with discounted pricing available across all distances. Entry fees increase after this date.