2026 Dunedin Marathon - Sep 13 Countdown

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Race Information

Race	2026 Dunedin Marathon - Sep 13
City	Dunedin
Date	2026-09-13 at 07:00
Field Size	~466 runners
Time Limit	No time limit
Timezone	Pacific/Auckland
Official Site	Caversham Harrier and Athletic Club
Registration	Register · 120 NZD

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature	9°C / 48°F
Humidity	80%
Wind	20 km/h
Rain Chance	45%
Typical Conditions	Mid-September is early spring in Dunedin (Southern Hemisphere), one of New Zealand's coolest, most changeable running climates. Expect race-morning lows of 5-8°C rising to around 11-13°C, frequent showers (about a 45% chance), 80% humidity and notable wind exposure (~20 km/h) on the open harbour and peninsula sections.

What to Prepare: Dress for a cool, wet, windy spring race: a long-sleeve base layer plus a packable wind/rain shell, gloves and a cap. The exposed waterfront has little shelter, so wind protection matters more than warmth. Check our Weather Score tool to rate the forecast before you commit to your kit.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 20 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course Type	Point-to-point (with a long peninsula out-and-back)
Elevation Gain	120m
Terrain	Sealed road on coastal harbour and peninsula roads, with sweeping views of Otago Harbour, the Otago Peninsula coastline and the city, finishing outside Emerson's Brewery in central Dunedin.
Profile	Gentle and flat - about 120m of total elevation gain, run mostly at sea level around Otago Harbour, making it one of NZ's friendlier marathons for a PB or first marathon.
Boston Qualifier	Yes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 Dunedin Marathon - Sep 13

Use our free training tools to get race-ready:

Running Pace Calculator — Min/km, Finish Time & Pace Chart

Free running pace calculator for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. Get min/km or min/mile, your ...

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Free Pace Band Generator — Printable Race Day Wristband

Free printable pace band for marathon, half marathon, or custom distance. Choose even, negative, or ...

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Marathon Wake-Up Time Calculator — Race Morning Timeline

7 AM race, wake at 3:45 AM? Enter the gun time; we work backward through meal, gear, bathroom, warm-...

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Dew Point Running Calculator — Pace Adjustment Chart

Enter temperature and humidity to calculate dew point and its impact on your running pace. 7-zone ch...

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Wind Effect on Running — How Much Does Wind Slow You?

How much does a headwind actually slow you down? This free calculator turns wind speed and direction...

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Marathon Predictor — 5K, 10K & Half Marathon Race Predictor

Free marathon predictor — convert your 5K, 10K, or half marathon time into race-day estimates from R...

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Emerson's Dunedin Marathon?

The 46th Emerson's Dunedin Marathon is on Sunday 13 September 2026 in Dunedin, Otago, on New Zealand's South Island. It is one of NZ's longest-running marathons. The full marathon starts at 7:00am (NZST); still check the final race information from the organiser (Caversham Harrier and Athletic Club) in the weeks before race day.

How do I register and what does it cost?

Entry is open (no ballot) via Race Roster while spots last. Fees are tiered in NZD: early bird $110 (16 Feb - 3 May), standard $120 (4 May - 2 Aug) and late $150 (3 Aug - 9 Sep). Online entries close at midnight on 9 September 2026, with late entries available in person at race-pack pickup.

Is the Dunedin Marathon a Boston-qualifying course?

Yes. The course is AIMS-certified, so a finishing time can be used as a Boston Marathon qualifier. With only about 120m of total climb and a mostly sea-level harbour route, it is a realistic PB and BQ target. Use our Boston Qualifying calculator to check the standard for your age group.

How hard is the course and what is the elevation?

It is gentle. Total elevation gain is roughly 120m, run largely at sea level around Otago Harbour and out along the Otago Peninsula. The main challenge is weather rather than terrain - wind and showers off the open water can slow you on the exposed waterfront. Pace it evenly with our Pace Calculator.

What is the course like and where does it finish?

The route is a scenic point-to-point that runs along Otago Harbour and out around the Otago Peninsula - frequently billed as one of New Zealand's most beautiful marathons. It finishes outside Emerson's Brewery in central Dunedin, so the celebration is built into the route's namesake.

How do I get to Dunedin and what should I expect from the weather?

Dunedin Airport (DUD) connects via Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch; many international runners fly into one of those hubs first. Mid-September is early spring: cool (5-8°C at dawn, rising to ~11-13°C), often wet and windy. Pack layers and a waterproof, wind-resistant shell.