There are 4500 participants signed up for the 2025 Run the Forest event in Rotorua. Photo / Supplied
There are 4500 participants signed up for the 2025 Run the Forest event in Rotorua. Photo / Supplied
Thousands of runners and walkers are taking part in the sold-out Run the Forest event in Rotorua on Saturday, expected to inject millions into the local economy.
Nduro Events partnerships manager Mike Cockin said the event was about bringing people to Rotorua and “celebrating the incredible assets that we have”.
This included the forest, geothermal activity, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, and showcasing Māori culture at Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, he said.
“For us it’s about showcasing Rotorua to the rest of the country and overseas as well.”
Nduro Events marketing co-ordinator Matt Thompson said last year’s event injected about $3.6 million into the local economy, based on 3242 participants.
With 4500 participants registered for this year’s event, the projected spend was expected to grow “quite considerably”, he said.
RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson said winter was a quieter time of year for business.
“Events this time of year are fantastic ... in terms of a whole lot of out-of-towners coming into town to have a great time.”
Wilson said Run the Forest had a lot of domestic visitors, with growing participation from international visitors.
Run the Forest participants have the option of three trails. Photo / Supplied
He said the larger the event became, and the more its profile grew, larger numbers of visitors would be attracted from key international markets – particularly Australia.
“I take my hat off to the event organisers – they do an amazing job. They’re the ones that are taking the risk when they dream these crazy ideas up and it’s just fantastic to see them be successful.”
“It’s weekends like this that remind us how powerful events can be – not just for tourism, but for the everyday businesses that keep Rotorua moving.”
Run the Forest in Rotorua last year. Photo / Supplied
Robertson said winter events were a fantastic way to incentivise domestic travellers to the regions, particularly with government and industry leaders determined to make tourism the country’s number one export again.
She said Run the Forest “isn’t just a race”.
“It’s a chance to showcase what makes Rotorua so special with thousands of visitors from across Aotearoa – our whenua, our people, and our vibrant Māori culture.”
Wai Ariki, the event’s naming rights sponsor, would also host the free “shake-out run” on Friday – a warm-up run designed to bring participants and locals together ahead of race day.
