Southern Cross Round the Bays
Supporting active communities and moving towards a healthy future
Our aspiration of supporting healthier years for more New Zealanders is the driving force behind Southern Cross becoming naming rights sponsor of the iconic Round the Bays events in Auckland and Wellington.
We are proud to continue the legacy of these celebrated and long-running community events which bring communities together to have fun while keeping fit. Every year, thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds run, walk and roll along Auckland and Wellington’s stunning waterfront courses – and now Southern Cross will be cheering them on every step of the way.
Our 2022 Healthy Futures Report indicated that 67 per cent of New Zealanders are concerned they are not as fit as they should be, topping the list of their greatest health concerns. Read more here.
We are proud to partner with events that enable people to improve their health and wellbeing; encouraging them to get active and have some fun while giving it a go.
Round the Bays in Auckland was first held in 1972 and has grown to become New Zealand's largest mass participation event. In 2023, over 20,000 people completed the 8.4km course - starting from the city centre and heading along Tāmaki Drive to finish at St Heliers. A further 1,000 participants from around the motu participated virtually via the Round the Bays app.
Round the Bays Wellington is in its 46th year and is New Zealand's third largest mass participation event. Participants can choose from three distances which take place along the Wellington waterfront; 5.5km fun run/walk, 10km and a half marathon. Southern Cross Round the Bays Wellington 2024 is expected to attract between 10,000 and 13,000 participants.
Join the Round the Bays movement:
