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Middle-earth Halfling Marathon™

Join us for an unforgettable off road, trail running adventure on Saturday 22 March, 2025.

The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon takes participants on a journey through sites and scenes from the epic trilogies including some locations only ventured to by wizards and Halflings. Participants will roam through the picturesque village of Hobbiton, through Gandalf’s Cutting, past the Sackville™ Orchard and up to Bag End before weaving down to Bagshot Row™ and past the sparkling lakefront. If time allows, a stop for a brief refreshment at The Green Dragon™ Inn before the final leg of the adventure to the finish line across from The Shire’s Rest™.

Event Info:

Event date: Saturday 22 March 2025
Distances: Halfling Marathon 21.1km Run or Walk, Eleventy-first 11.1km Run or Walk
Start times: 2.10pm for Halfling Marathon Run, 2.20pm for Halfling Marathon Walk, 3.10pm for Eleventy-first Run and 3.20pm for Eleventy-first Walk
Start & Finish line: The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera
Early Check-In: 3.00pm - 7.00pm Friday 21 March 2025 at The Hub, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera
Check-In: 9.00am-1 hour before race start Saturday 22 March 2025 at The Hub, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera
Event Village Open: From 11.00am Saturday 22 March 2025 at The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera
Prizegiving: 5.45pm in the Halfling Event Village at The Shire's Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera
Parking and Transport:
Transport and parking options are available at time of registration.

Entry Fees:

Event
All registrations
Halfling Marathon $249
Eleventyfirst $199

Register For The Adventure

Middle-earth Halfling Marathon Merchandise. 

The exclusive range of official Middle-earth Halfling Marathon merchandise is available for pre-purchase now until 28 February, 2025.  

Merchandise will be available to be collected on event day when you check-in. View and order your official Middle-earth Halfling Marathon merchandise here.

Frequently Asked Questions

All Middle-earth Halfling Marathon FAQ
  • How much is it to enter?

    The Eleventy-first 11.1km course is $199 to enter, and the Halfling Marathon 21.1km course is $249. 

  • What is the terrain for the course?

    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. 

  • Do you have different categories for Runners and Walkers?

    Yes. When you enter the event, you can choose to either enter the Run or Walk category for each distance. The start times for the Walking category will be staggered slightly, please take note of your chosen categories start time upon registration and in the lead up to the event. Participants in the Walking categories are required to walk the full distance, and cannot run a portion of the course. 

  • Are there age restrictions or divisions for each race distance?

    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.

  • When do registrations close?

    Registrations will be open online until 1pm Saturday 22 March or capacity numbers are reached.

    If registering in person on event day, this will need to be completed online using a debit or credit card and will be subject to availability. Cash transactions will not be available. 

  • Can I change my race category or transfer my registration to a friend?

    Yes you can change your category and transfer your registration up until 28 February 2025 by logging into to your account on the Event Plus system. See our terms and conditions for this event for more information. 

  • What are the Transport options?

    We will be offering free return transport options from Matamata isite and across the road from the Cambridge isite and town hall, there will be ample parking available at each location.

  • Will spectators be able to enter Hobbiton Movie Set to see the runners?

    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. 

All Middle-earth Halfling Marathon FAQ

Contact Us

Contact The Halfling Event Team

Proudly Supported by

Click here to view our full list of supporters and sponsors for the 2025 Middle-earth Halfling Marathon 

New Zealand Herald | The Hits | Good George Brewing | Maverick Digital 

MIDDLE-EARTH HALFLING MARATHON, MIDDLE EARTH, HOBBITON and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and the characters, places, items and events therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC and used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated. All rights reserved.