www.hobbitontours.com

Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon

location_on

Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand

calendar_today 28 Mar, 2026

About the Event

Embark on the most fantastical running adventure in the world at the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™ at Hobbiton Movie Set on Saturday, 28 March 2026. This is not just a race; it's a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the iconic landscapes of The Shire, on a private course within the actual movie set. Choose between the 21.1km Halfling Marathon or the 11.1km 'Eleventy-first' distance, running or walking past legendary locations like Bag End, Bagshot Row™, and the Sackville™ Orchard, with a chance to stop for a drink at The Green Dragon™ Inn before your finish line celebration. Your entry is an exclusive experience, including finisher's medal, a branded event stein for your finish line beverage, and a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing drink during the race—all set within the rolling green hills of the Waikato. With registrations already full for 2026, this event is one of the world's most coveted and unique runs, perfectly blending cinematic magic with a true Kiwi challenge. Prepare for an adventure of epic proportions.

Races Offered

Eleventy-first

Mar 28, 2026

straighten

Distance — 11.1K

terrain

Type — —

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-4 days remaining

Halfling Marathon

Mar 28, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21.1K

terrain

Type — —

timer

-4 days remaining

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Matamata.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 11.5° / 20.8°

wb_sunny 10.2° / 19.2°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 10.3 /

water_drop 79.3%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 11.5° / 20.8°

wb_sunny 10.2° / 19.2°

air 10.3 km/h

water_drop 79.3%

About Matamata

Learn more about the host city, Matamata.

Matamata is a town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of the main departure points for the Hobbiton Movie Set, which is out in the countryside.