14 . 11 . 2026 // MISSION BAY, AUCKLAND
Run with purpose.
Five, ten or twenty-one kilometres. One price. Everyone welcome.
DATE
Saturday 14 November 2026
ARRIVE
6:30 AM
COST
$35 - all distances
START & FINISH
Mission Bay Beach, Auckland
A start line anyone
can stand on.
Nobody's running the same race.
Some people will be chasing a time. Some will be walking the five with a friend they've been trying to get out of the house for months. Same start line, same finish line, and no hierarchy between them.
We start with prayer, move together, and finish on the beach where we started - the same as every Saturday morning, just bigger. You don't need to be religious, fit, or know anyone.
Minors under 16 will need to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Children are welcome, however we do suggest for safety and space on footpath that people do not run with a buggy.
Registrations close 17 October 2026 so get your spot locked in early and we’ll see you on the start line.
The official course.
Run Auckland’s waterfront with the harbour beside you, the city around you and some of the region’s most beautiful views along the way. A gentle, fully paved course designed for every pace and every runner.
Choose your distance, run with purpose.
Elevation gain < 5 M
N
Start / finish Mission Bay Beach
Marshal / Turnaround
RACE DAY DETAILS
Know your course.
Explore each distance to see the route, key course points, aid and support stations, turnaround points and elevation profile. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply running with purpose, get familiar with the course before you arrive.
// The Imperium Run 2026
0 Water stations
MMarshal
WWater
TToilet
RRubbish
First aid
Turnaround
0.0 KM
Elevation gain < 5 M
Surface Sealed
SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2026
The run down.
Join us at Mission Bay Beach for a morning of movement, community, prayer and a little post-run bravery. Choose your distance, bring your people, and stay for the whole morning.
Before you run
Come early, settle in and soak up the morning. There's a good crowd down there well before anyone runs.
6:30AMArrive & collect bib
7:30AMPrayer
7:40AMIntro & instructions
The starts
Every wave leaves from the same line on Mission Bay Beach. Be in yours five minutes before it goes.
8:00AMWarm-up
8:15AM21.1 km starts
8:30AM10 km starts
8:45AM5 km starts
After you finish
Stay for the whole morning. Cheer the last finishers in, then take on the plunge if you're game.
11:30AMAnnouncements & giveaways
12:00PMCold plunge (optional)
1:00PMEvent ends
Registrations close 17 October 2026 so get your spot locked in early and we’ll see you on the start line.
What's included?
- Race entry and bib
- Marshalled course and aid stations
- Finisher medal
- Drink and protein bar at the finish line
- Official time from RacetimeNZ
- Cold plunge afterwards
- Race photos, free to download
What to bring?
- Your confirmation - on your phone is fine
- A towel and warm change of clothes if you wish to Cold Plunge after
- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen / hat
- Adequate footwear
- Gels, if you're runnning the 10KM or 21.1KM
- A bag for all your belongings
[ I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH ]
[ 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 ]
Run for someone special.
Twenty-one kilometres is a long time to think. Most people find it easier when they're not doing it for themselves.
When you register you can name the person or the purpose you're running for. You can also leave a prayer request - that one stays private.
Not running, but want in?
We couldn't pull off an event this size without our community. So if you're not racing but would love to help, we'd love to have you there too.
Marshals, aid stations, bib collection, finish line, pack-down. Roles run from two hours to the full morning, and we brief everyone on the day.
BUILT FOR MISSION.
The official Imperium Run Collection.
The Imperium Run is more than a finish line. It’s about showing up, running together and moving with purpose. Wear the official collection as a reminder of what you’re part of. One design. Four styles. From relaxed to refined, find your fit. Purchases can be collected with your bib the morning of the event.
Frequently asked questions
Do i need to be a christian to get involved?
No. We really encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the morning challenge. It's an awesome experience for those who believe or not. We open in prayer and finish with worship if you're open to both of those.
Do I need to be fit?
No, but you also need to be confident to complete the race. Plenty of people walk the 5 km. Choose the distance that stretches you.
Can i change my distance after I register?
Yes, free of charge until 17th October. Email us and we'll update your distance.
Can I bring my kids or a buggy?
Yes you are able to bring kids, however we do suggest for safety and space on footpath that people do not run with a buggy.
Kids under 13 can participate for free, but due to this being a not-for-profit event no medal, bib or post run snack will be provided. If you want your child to participate fully, please register them officially.
What's the cold plunge?
At 12pm, we’ll be heading into the Mission Bay ocean to celebrate the effort of the day with one final challenge together as a community. The plunge involves sitting in the water for three minutes — although, in November, it may be more of a warm plunge than a cold one!
Participation is completely optional. If you’d like to take part, make sure you bring a towel and a warm change of clothes for afterwards.
Is there parking or transport options?
Limited, and it fills early. Carpool if you can. The TāmakiLink (blue bus) runs along Tāmaki Drive from Britomart every 15 minutes from 5:30am, stopping a two-minute walk from the start line. Routes 774 and 775 also run from Britomart, and 781, 782 and 783 serve Mission Bay from other directions. Check the AT Journey Planner the night before.
What happens if someone can't finish?
In the event that you cannot make it back to the finish line, please notify the Marshalls who are positioned along the race route, and they will arrange a vehicle to come pick you up. If this is due to medical reasons, the onsite St John crew will be notified.
Can I get a refund if I can't make it?
Refunds are available up until registrations close on 17 October 2026. After that we can't refund entries, as shirts, singlets, medals and other event items are ordered in advance. You're welcome to transfer your registration to someone else instead - email us and we'll see what we can do.
What if the weather is bad?
We run in the rain. The only reason we'd move the event is if conditions were genuinely unsafe, and in that case we'd postpone to Saturday 21 November 2026. We'll email every registered runner and post on Instagram by 5:30am race morning either way, so check before you leave.
When do I collect my bib?
On the morning, from 6:30am at Mission Bay Beach. There will be an opportunity to collect your bib and apparel the day before at Mission bay. We will provide details of the exact location and time for this collection point via email in the coming weeks. If you can't get there in time, you're welcome to send someone to collect on your behalf.
// IMPERIUM RUN 2025
PHOTOS BY ASHTON CURTIS
We've saved you a space.
The hardest kilometre is the one between deciding and entering.