A winter adventure through beautiful McLeans Forest is back on the calendar for 2027 and right now you can snap up early bird entries from as little as just $25.
Following its inaugural event earlier this year, Environment Canterbury’s McLeans Forest Run returns on Sunday 4 July 2027. Lace up, bring your friends and come explore the trails at McLeans Forest.
With 5km, 10km and half marathon options open to runners and walkers, there’s a distance for those taking their first steps into an organised event, those chasing a new challenge and those simply keen to enjoy a morning outdoors.
Set within the Waimakariri River Regional Park, McLeans Forest offers an escape from city streets without a long journey out of town. Forest tracks and winding gravel trails provide a setting worth slowing down for, even on race day.
Environment Canterbury Councillor Sara Gerard said the event is an invitation to enjoy the regional park and help a new community tradition grow.
“There’s something special about being out among the trees, sharing a trail with friends and having people around you cheering you on," she said.
“You don’t need to be a fast runner or an experienced athlete to be part of it. You can walk, jog or run, set yourself a challenge, or simply make it a morning out with someone you enjoy spending time with.”
“Having an event to look forward to can be a great reason to get outdoors. Signing up now gives you a goal to work towards and a chance to get your friends, whānau or workmates involved," Cr Gerard said.
Whether the goal is a finish time or simply reaching the finish line, the invitation is the same: come along, get behind a growing local event and enjoy the forest together.
McLeans Island is part of the wider Waimakariri River Regional Park and Cr Gerard said it's wonderful to see people enjoying an area which is so important to keeping us safe.
“The park was established to help manage the river and provide flood protection for the community, including urban Christchurch," she said.
"It is a space that not only offers fantastic recreation opportunities, but plays an important role in safeguarding significant infrastructure, protecting lives and property across Canterbury's most populated urban area."
Join us at McLeans Forest, McLeans Island, Christchurch, on Sunday 4 July 2027. Choose a 5 km, 10 km or half marathon course and walk or run at your own pace.
Register before 20 January 2027 to get early bird pricing. Entries are $25 for the 5 km, $50 for the 10 km and $80 for the half marathon.