MIDNIGHT START
3 DISTANCES
01.01.2027
CHIP TIMED
ABOUT THE RACE DAY
The First Race 2027 is a midnight running event held in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Runners will start at 00:00 on New Year's Day and race in their chosen 5km, 10km, or a half marathon distance.
On a fast, chip-timed course, becoming the first humans in the world to finish a race this new year.
We wanted The First Race to be priced fairly — not cheap, not exclusive, but worth every cent. What you're signing up for isn't just a run. It's a chip-timed, medal-earning, midnight start on 1 January 2027 at Ngā Puna Wai — where every finisher will be the FIRST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD to complete a race in the new year. Or will you hold the fastest 5km, 10km or 21km time for 2027? That's worth showing up for.
ENTRY PRICING
5KM
2 Laps
$50
Early Bird $40 - Ends 30 Sep
10KM
4 Laps
$75
Early Bird $60 - Ends 30 Sep
HALF MARATHON
8.5 Laps
$105
Early Bird $84 - Ends 30 Sep
Early Bird closes 30 September 2026. Registrations close 23 December 2026. All Prices in NZD and include a Finisher Medal and chip timing.
COURSE INFO
The Track
A fast, flat 2.5km loop at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Wigram — designed for performance, personal bests and vibes.
5km · 2 laps
10km · 4 laps
21.1km · 8.5 laps
Chip timed. Certified course.
All distances start at 00:00 on 1 January 2027.
Race Night
A high energy DJ set, midnight countdown, and festival atmosphere at the start/finish hub. Run your race and celebrate the new year in style.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What's included in my entry? Chip timing, a custom TFR27 finisher medal, and access to the start/finish hub on race night.
Q: What distances are available? We offer 5km, 10km, and 21.1km (Half Marathon). All distances start at exactly 00:00 on 1 January 2027.
Q: What time should I arrive? We recommend arriving from 10:30pm to allow time for registration, bag drop, warm-up, and getting into position for the midnight countdown.
Q: Where is the event held? Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Augustine Drive, Wigram, Christchurch. Ample parking is available on site.
Q: Is this suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The 5km is a great option for first-timers or those newer to running. 5km and 10km welcome runners and walkers of all abilities. The Half Marathon is very limited spots.
Q: When does early bird pricing end? Early bird pricing closes 30 September 2026. Standard pricing applies after that date.
Q: How do I register? Click the Register Now button on this page to secure your spot through our registration partner Barefoot Sport.
Q: I have a question not answered here. Get in touch at: thefirstrace@emergentperformance.co.nz and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. OR DM the instagram account
