The 5km.

5km Road Run OR WALK, & Athletics NZ Road 5km Championships

5 DECEMBER 2026 | WHAKATU - NELSON

Why the 5km?

Race through the heart of central Nelson through crowds of cheering spectators.

Prefer walking over running? Enter our dedicated walkers-only category!

Grab your friends and immerse yourself in the full atmosphere of The Spectacle.

THe races.

  • Whether you're an experienced runner aiming to hit a certain time or this is your first time running a 5km, this race is for you!

    We have two 5km races this year :

    • A race - for those who anticipate completing the event in 30 mins or less

    • B race - for those who anticipate completing the event in 30-60 mins.

    Please note: You are in charge of counting your own laps. If you are unsure if you’ll be able to keep track, please arrange for someone to help you count from the sidelines, or determine a method of keeping track, such as moving a hair tie from one wrist to the other.

  • For those wanting to walk the 5km!

    We have two 5km races this year :

    • A race - for those who anticipate completing the event in 30 mins or less

    • B race - for those who anticipate completing the event in 30-60 mins.

    Please note: You are in charge of counting your own laps. If you are unsure if you’ll be able to keep track, please arrange for someone to help you count from the sidelines, or determine a method of keeping track, such as moving a hair tie from one wrist to the other.

  • 2025 saw a high-quality international elite road mile field assemble in Nelson for a road mile showcase and the NZ Road Mile Championships, harkening back to the iconic 1983 Queen Street mile, which saw Mike Boit run 3:28.36 down Queen Street.

    In 2026, the road programme pivots to the 5km, where top Kiwi athletes will chase finish-line glory and national titles. 

    Course Information:

    Coming soon

    Age Groups:

    U20 | Senior | Masters

    Start Time:

    The evening of Saturday 5 December

    More Info:

    Email info@thespectacle.co.nz

THe important stuff.

What you get

We’ve partnered with some of our favourite businesses to bring you some of the best race merch. Here’s what you’ll get:

  • Race number

  • Finishers shirt

  • Finishers medal

  • The Spectacle tote bag with goodies from some of our favourite local businesses

  • On-course photography (pay what you want post-race)

  • Medical support

  • Great vibes

  • Free concert

Prizes

All finishers: All finishers will receive a wooden finishers medal.

Top 3: Top three male and female finishers overall will be presented with a prize.

Spot Prizes: We love a good spot prize almost as much as we love a good race pack, so we’ve partnered with some generous local businesses to bring you some great spot prizes. Spot prizes will be randomly distributed in race packs, so if you find something extra in there - congratulations, you’ve won!

Photos

We have a talented team of photographers out on the course taking epic shots for the gram, or if you’re a little more old school - for the wall. A link to race photos can be found on the Results page after the race.

The course.

*2026 course under review

Get ready for a high energy start! The 5km starts just in front of the finish line on Selwyn Place.

Hang a right onto Church Street and then another right onto Hardy Street, past all of the cheering spectators at the restaurants & bars that line the course. Hook another right onto Hope Street, before turning right on Selwyn Place where the energy of the cheering spectators gathered in Trafalgar Square will lift you up. That is one full lap! Do that 6 more times (7 laps in total), before crossing through the finish pylons just before the church steps.

Please note: Competitors are in charge of counting their own laps.

Please have a method of counting your laps in place before race day - some examples: a friend on the sidelines helping you count, moving hairties from one wrist to the other, etc.

The Rules.

  • All participants must meet at the Nelson Club carpark 15 minutes before your event for the pre-race briefing and to be escorted by some of our wonderful volunteers onto the course.

  • Competitors are in charge of counting their own laps.
    Please have a method of counting your laps in place before race day - some examples: a friend on the sidelines helping you count, moving hairties from one wrist to the other, etc.

  • Race numbers contain a timing chip on the back and must be worn on the front chest area of the top you are wearing for the event and must be visible at all times. Please do not alter the numbers.

  • Bikes, scooters, rollerblades, skateboards and dogs will not be permitted on the course.

  • Baby strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the course.

  • Competitors must not be accompanied by anyone who is not officially entered in the event. The exception to this is if they are a guide/support person in the AWD race or a minor entered in the kid’s mile, in which case they may have someone accompany them on the course.

  • Music devices are not permitted during the race for safety reasons.

  • Competitors must stay on the marked course and keep to the left of the course if being passed by another competitor. 

  • Competitors should be kind and respectful to other competitors.