Cancelation of Middle-earth Halfling Marathon
Middle-earth Halfling Marathon will make reasonable endeavours to postpone the Event rather than cancel.
(please see Middle-earth Halfling Marathon Refund Policy in our Terms and Conditions).

Cancelation of registration
Cancellation of registration by participants will incur a $20 cancellation fee provided that the cancellation is requested and approved by email to [email protected] at least five working days prior to the event.
No refunds will be given where participants cancel within five working days of the event.

You can change distances prior to online registrations closing. This is possible through your online registration, click to amend through your confirmation email. If you can’t locate your registration confirmation email [email protected] Note: There are no partial refunds if downgrading.

Your entry is transferable to another person until 3 March, 2024. You can do this by logging into to your account on the Event Plus system. 

If you are unable to make it for the event, you have the option of Transferring your Registration to someone else up until 3 March 2024. Click here for more information.

The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon is an off-road trail running adventure. The terrain for both the 11.1km and the 21.1km course varies from grassy fields and dirt farm tracks, to compacted dirt/clay tracks with some scattered cobblestone areas on the Movie Set. Many areas of the course cover uneven ground and some narrow tracks, including some low-level steps on a steady incline on the Movie Set. The course offers some spectacular viewpoints well earned by some steep inclines. All runners and walkers must follow the same path for their chosen distance. 

It is advised that you wear comfortable shoes on the course. Be sure to prepare for the elements event day may bring by wearing sun protection and bringing along some wet weather gear. 

We look forward to seeing the amazing costumes we know many participants will choose to wear on event day. We would like to kindly remind you that due to safety we only allow soft props on the premises, no weapons or accessories that have the potential to harm are permitted. 

You will be able to check in/register for the event at The Hub, located across the carpark from The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road Matamata, from 3pm-7pm on Friday 22 March 2024, or on race day from 9am until 1 hour before race start on Saturday 23 March 2024.

The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon has two race distances and all participants will be running together without any divisions for age or gender.

Registrations are open to ages 16+ for both race distances.

Yes, we have a free, dry and secure bag check available. Keep an eye out for bag check signs at the start and finish line.

Bags need to be tagged with your bib number and name, tags are available at check in and at the start line. Bags should be dropped at the start line at Buckland Landing, located across the road from the Halfling Event Village. While you are on the course, bags will be moved by event staff to the finish line to be collected after you have completed your event. 

We will be offering free return transport options from central locations in Matamata and Cambridge and there will be ample parking available at each location.

Of course, we would love for you to bring your fellowship along to support. Supporters and spectators will be able to access the Halfling Event Village at The Shire’s Rest throughout the race duration and will be able to access the start and finish lines at set times. Only race participants will be able to access the Movie Set and surrounding farmland during the race. 

Not during the event. Only event participants will enter the Movie Set as a part of their event course. Spectators will be able to access the Halfling Village at The Shire's Rest, and the start and finish line zones at Buckland Landing. 

We will be offering a range of special exclusive tour experiences for spectators and participants on the Sunday to enjoy a visit to the Movie Set on the Sunday, or the opportunity to join one of our regularly scheduled tours at a special rate. You will be sent information on how to access these exclusive deals within your event confirmation. 

Due to the terrain of the courses the Middle-earth Halfling Marathon and Eleventy-first courses are not suitable to be completed with prams or baby carriers.This is to ensure the safety of all participants. 

Dogs are not permitted on the event course or at the Event Village unless they are service dogs.

Certified service dogs are welcome in the Event Village under the following conditions:

• The dog must be on a leash at all times and wear an identification tag with the owner's name, address and telephone number
• If asked, you must be able to provide proof that the dog is a certified service dog from an organisation recognised by the NZ Dog Control Act

*Please note that we can not ensure that this message gets to everybody who may come to spectate or enjoy the Event Village. We kindly ask that you please let any spectators or supporters who may be joining you on event day know this. 

The Halfling Event Village will have a variety of food trucks and food and beverage options as well as our onsite café The Shires Rest.

Our good friends at Good George will be onsite with a range of alcoholic & non-alcoholic (water, electrolyte and soft drinks) beverages available for purchase at the event.