WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND
The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon takes participants on a journey through sites and scenes from the epic trilogies including some more secluded locations only ventured to by wizards and Halflings within the rolling hills of the mighty Waikato farmland.
articipants will roam through the picturesque village of Hobbiton, through Gandalf’s Cutting, past the Sackville™ Orchard and up to Bag End before weaving down to Bagshot Row™ and past the sparkling lakefront.
If time allows, stop for a brief refreshment at The Green Dragon™ Inn before the final leg of the adventure to the finish line across from The Shire’s Rest™.
- All Packages Include
- Guaranteed race entry into the 2026 Middle-earth Halfling Marathon
- Finisher medal and souvenir stein
- Accommodation (3 night package)
Fables Hotel Auckland - Accommodation (4 night package)
2 nights at the InterContinental Auckland
2 nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo - Daily Breakfast included
- Daily group dinners at selected restaurants
- Cruise and tour of Waiheke Island & lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard
- Private escorted coach transfers throughout
- 4 Night Package Also Includes:
- Daily group dinners at selected restaurants
- Taupo sightseeing and adventure activities
- Evening dinner cruise on Lake Taupo
PACKAGE PRICES
Prepare for an enchanting off-road trail running journey through the bucolic landscape of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.
The immersive and unique Middle-earth™ Halfling™ Marathon allows runners and walkers to explore the picturesque rolling green hills and storybook landscapes of the Waikato countryside. This course is all about the views!
You will begin your journey at Buckland Landing with breath-taking views across the valley and the mighty Kaimai Ranges in the distance. You will then twist and turn through the farmland, following the trails created by the farm’s inhabitants, with a couple of steep inclines to keep even the most seasoned runners honest.
You will soon arrive at Hobbiton where you’ll wind your way through half the village and pass numerous hobbit holes tucked into the hillsides. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back soon to see the other half! You leave the village and head back onto the farm, through paddocks, around ponds, and taking in the amazing views of the valley below.
You’re in for a treat when you arrive at the Watering Hole, past Halflings have enjoyed a refreshing dip at this point in their journey and you are more than welcome to do so too. The best thing about this is, you’ll be back here after a 2km loop. Halfway around this loop, make sure you pause at the highest point on the course and take in another breath-taking view of the valley. From here you can see all the way there and back again.
Your adventure is close to coming to an end, through more farmland before you wind your way through the other half of the Hobbiton village. Before you leave the village, how about stopping for a quick tipple to quench your thirst at The Green Dragon Inn?
Only a few kilometres left on this amazing journey and adventure before you’ll venture up one final climb to arrive at the finish line across from The Shire’s Rest, where your fellowship of supporters will be waiting.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry fee to the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon is incorporated into the price of your package.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon.
Note that all athletes must be at least 16 years of age on race day unless prior approval has been given.
Start Time
- Halfling Marathon Run: 2.10pm
- Halfling Marathon Walk: 2.20pm
Cut-Off Times
A course cut-off will be enforced at the 9.5km point at 4.15pm, approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes into your run or 1 hour and 55 minutes into your walk.
You will still be able to finish the event, but for your own safety the course team will just send you on a shorter route so you don’t finish in the dark!
Race Timing
Middle-earth Halfling Marathon is a timed event
Race Packets
You will be able to check in for the event at The Hub, located across the carpark from The Shire’s Rest, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, from 3pm-8pm on Friday 27 March 2026, or on race day from 9am-1pm on Saturday 28 March 2026.
Pace Setters
There are no official pace setters in the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon, the Authentic.
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be supplied with water, hydration, chips, lollies, and fruit.
To minimise waste and your environmental impact there will be no disposable cups at the drink stations. All entrants will receive a complimentary Middle-earth Halfling Marathon branded collapsible reusable water cup to use at the drink stations.
You are also welcome to bring your own bottle or hydration pack if you wish. The stations are equipped for you to refill these and there will be volunteers ready to help you fill your vessel as quickly as possible.
Toilets are located at the 6.9km, 9.5km, 11.5km, and 19.3km aid stations. (3.8km, 6.4km and 9.3km for 11.1km)
First Aid will be available on the course by a roving Peak Safety team member. Basic first aid kits will be available at each aid station.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
There will be a free, dry and secure bag check available. Keep an eye out for bag check signs at the start and finish line.
Bags need to be tagged with your bib number and name; tags are available at check in and at the start line. Bags should be dropped at the start line at Buckland Landing, located across the road from the Halfling Event Village.
While you are on the course, bags will be moved by event staff to the finish line to be collected after you have completed your event.
TRANSPORT
Transport to the race is included in the overall price of your package.
Expo
There is no specific Expo associated with the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon.
Finishes T-Shirts, Medals and Certificates
All entrants will receive a specially designed finishers medal, an exclusive branded souvenir Stein and a collapsible reusable water cup for use at the water stations.
Weather Conditions
The average temperature for the month of November in the Taupō, Waikato Region is 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Others Events
- Halfling Marathon Walk
- Eleventy-first Run
- Eleventy-first Walk
