The First Race 2027

New Zealand flag Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

60 days left

The First Race 2027 events.barefootsport.co.nz
Date 01 Jan, 2027
Races 3 distances
Entry fee $50.00 – $105.00
Runner rating Be the first to rate
The First Race 2027

About the event

The First Race 2027 invites runners to kick off the New Year with an exhilarating midnight start on January 1, 2027, at Ngā Puna Wai Stadium in Christchurch. Participants can choose from three distances: a swift 5km loop, a scenic 10km route through the city's vibrant streets and parks, or the challenging half marathon that winds around iconic landmarks of Christchurch. As one of the world’s first races of the year, runners will be among the very first to cross a finish line in the new calendar year, earning them bragging rights as pioneers of 2027 running achievements. The race is meticulously organized with chip timing and professional medals for all participants, ensuring an unforgettable start to the racing season.
The atmosphere at Ngā Puna Wai Stadium will be electric, filled with anticipation and camaraderie among runners from around New Zealand and beyond. With a fair pricing model that offers value without exclusivity, The First Race promises more than just a run; it's an experience of community spirit and shared excitement as the clock strikes midnight on January 1st.

Races offered

01Jan

10 KM

Running

Distance
10K
Countdown
60 days
Entry fee
$75.00
01Jan

21.1 KM

Running

Distance
21.1K
Countdown
60 days
Entry fee
$105.00
01Jan

5 KM

Running

Distance
5K
Countdown
60 days
Entry fee
$50.00

Weather history

3-year monthly averages for January in Christchurch.

Temperature13.2° / 20.3°
Feels like11.0° / 18.0°
Sunshine hours11h 55m
Rainfall1.7 mm
Snowfall—
Wind14.8 km/h (Gentle breeze)
Humidity72.2%
Max UV indexLow (2.0)
Sweat lossModerate
Course conditionsFirm and slightly soft
Sunrise06:07
Sunset21:07

About Christchurch

Learn more about the host city, Christchurch.

Scenic view of

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand. Christchurch has an urban population of 407,800, and a metropolitan population of 556,500. It is located in the Canterbury Region, near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, east of the Canterbury Plains. It is located near the southern end of Pegasus Bay, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by the ancient volcanic complex of the Banks Peninsula. The Avon River / Ōtākaro winds through the centre of the city, with a large urban park along its banks. With the exception of the Port Hills, it is a relatively flat city, on an average about 20 m (66 ft) above sea level. Christchurch has a reputation for being an English city, with its architectural identity and nickname the 'Garden City' due to similarities with garden cities in England, but also has a historic Māori heritage. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate with moderate rainfall.

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