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 completing a 5km, this race is for you!

    All open 5km runners and walkers start at the same time. The cut off time for the 5km is 70 minutes.

  • 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:

    2 × 2.5km laps

    Age Groups:

    U20 | Senior | Masters

    All NZ Championships races start at the same time.

    Start Time:

    TBD

    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 finishers medal.

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

NZ Championships 5km: The top 3 male and female finishers in the U20, Senior and Masters categories will receive a NZ Championships medal.

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 so you can look back at your 5km for years to come. A link to race photos can be found on the Results page after the race.

FREE TRAINING PLANS

We want everyone to have the best experience possible at The Spectacle - and that starts well before race day.

That’s why we’ve created free 5km training plans to help you prepare, build confidence and arrive at the start line feeling ready to take on your challenge.

These plans have been put together by experienced coach Pete Pfitzinger (Pfitzinger Coaching), with training designed to help you get the most out of your preparation and have your best possible day on race day.

The course.

NEW 2026 COURSE!

Get ready for a high energy start! Start at the top of Nelson’s main street, Trafalgar Street, in the heart of the CBD. Head down Trafalgar Street until you reach the Maitai River bike path, then wind along the river for roughly 1km until you reach the Hardy Street bridge.

From here, leave the bike path by climbing the short rise from the river up to Hardy St and head back towards the CBD to rejoin the Mile course and the cheering crowds. Turn left onto Hope Street, then right onto Selwyn Place. Enjoy the gentle downhill down Selwyn Place and cross under the finish line before turning right onto Church Street and right again onto Hardy Street.

Complete your first full lap by turning left onto Trafalgar Street, then head out onto lap two.

Once you enter Selwyn Place for the final time, stay left and celebrate as you cross the finish line.

ELEVATION PROFILE

Start elevation: 9m

Max elevation: 14m 

Total elevation gain: 63m

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.

  • 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, 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.