Go the distance for Kiwi hearts: MyMarathon 2026

Published: 9 April 2026

Heart disease affects one in 23 New Zealand adults – but every step you take this May can help change that. Kiwis are lacing up their trainers as MyMarathon returns for 2026, inviting people of all ages and fitness levels to walk, jog, or run 42 km (or more) throughout the month to support lifesaving heart research.

Organised by the Heart Foundation, MyMarathon is the fundraising race where you set the pace to fit around you. Whether you take it on in one go, divide it into bite-sized efforts, or walk it across the entire month, MyMarathon is designed for everyone – regardless of fitness level. 

You can take part solo, with whānau and friends, or as a workplace team. And you can do it anywhere: your favourite running track, a local park, the treadmill, or even your closest beach. 

Last year, over 4,300 New Zealanders took up the challenge and clocked up more than 200,000 km collectively, all while contributing to life-saving heart disease research. In 2026, the need remains just as urgent. 

“Nearly every Kiwi knows someone affected by heart disease – but many aren’t sure how to help,” Kate Richardson, Heart Foundation’s Direct Fundraising Lead, says. 

“MyMarathon makes it easy and is also a great way to have fun, get active and make a difference. It’s free to sign up and take part in. 

“Funds raised will go towards life-saving heart research, so we can stop families from losing their loved ones too soon to heart disease,” she says.  

“Participants can take part on their own, with family and friends, or even as a workplace team. It’s also a great way to stay motivated – when you’re pushing each other, every kilometre feels easier and more rewarding. 

“MyMarathoners can also complete their kilometres anywhere, however they wish. Past MyMarathoners have walked, run, cycled and even swum. Plus, there’s no limit! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can go beyond 42 km and push yourself to new heights.” 

By signing up for MyMarathon, participants join a nationwide community united by a simple goal: to help stop families losing loved ones too soon to heart disease, New Zealand’s single-biggest killer. Exciting prizes are also up for grabs at key fundraising milestones, adding extra motivation to go the distance. 

For extra inspiration, meet three remarkable Kiwis taking on MyMarathon for deeply personal reasons. Each has their own powerful “why” – why a connection to heart disease that drives them to go the distance. Their stories highlight the real impact of heart disease and the difference we can make together by taking part. Read their stories at mymarathon.co.nz/your-stories. 

Sign up today and start your journey this May!

Sign up now