New Zealand’s biggest “small school” fundraiser once again turned Martinborough into a festival of colour, costumes, and community spirit on Saturday 1 November, as Round the Vines celebrated its 29th year.
With participants coming from all over New Zealand to take part, the event delivered everything runners and walkers love: a course through private vineyards, four lively drink stations and the legendary after party in Martinborough Square.
This year’s updated course proved a winner with participants, weaving further into the vines and reducing time on the road. The new off road sections offered sweeping views, shady rows, and that classic Martinborough magic that only comes from running right through the heart of wine country.
Participate feedback has been glowing:
“Loved running through the vines and seeing behind the scenes of wineries I haven’t seen before”
”I loved the variety of terrain and turns which kept me interested. The drink stations were a highlight: the kids were so cute and welcoming, the lollies and fruit amazing, and so fun to have themes. It helped me keep going knowing they were ahead”
“I felt the stations were perfectly spaced. The views and landscapes were outstanding. Little surprising vistas. Wild flowers. View of escarpment. Old homesteads”
Dry River, Palliser, Te Kairanga, Moy Hall, Luna Estate, Ata Rangi and Stoney Farm opened their gates, offering a unique view of vineyards normally closed to the public. At each stop, drink station volunteers kept energy high with water, fruit, music and plenty of laughs. Costumes at the stations were next level too, with Cat in the Hat and a full Yellowstone recreation becoming crowd favourites.
Participants embraced the dress up tradition with enthusiasm, and sometimes full theatrical commitment. Among the best dressed this year were Tutti Fruiti, Hormonal Rollercoasters, Tic Tacs, Bert and Ernie, B1 and B2, Road Cones, Cougars, and ABBA, adding to the sea of colour winding its way through the vines.
One New Zealand brought extra fun to the Square with the Amazing Travelling Photobooth and a giant photo wall, adding to the buzzing atmosphere. A Samsung Galaxy A55 went home with Sarah Jayne Curd, winner of the photo competition for her epic Jog Your Memory reel, featuring her team dressed as spirited “oldies”.
As always, the after party turned Martinborough Square into a relaxed, celebration atmosphere location. Local food trucks Goodtimes Food, Caveman BBQ, Lulus Taqueria and Jawl’s Kitchen kept everyone well fed, while Martinborough Coffee, Martinborough Brewery and Craggy Range poured crowd favourites. The Bare Necessities returned to bring the groove, and groups spread out across the grass with real fruit ice creams from Korky’s Catering.
Martinborough Square delivered again according to our participants:
“Once again you couldn’t ask for more, big tick for all your volunteers and organisers. We all felt very special to be at such a beautiful event”
”Loved that set up too and the band were great. Good to see a great high end selection of wine and beer available to buy as well.”
“Simply fab, such a good atmosphere with everything you needed to start the race and then end in a great environment. Was fun, relaxing and you could get everything from coffee, wine and food which is what was needed after the run.”
All funds raised, approx $70K, goes directly to Martinborough School, supporting the Court Resurfacing Project, including the construction of a new basketball court. In recent years, Round the Vines has helped fund the senior playground and all purpose turf, continuing a long tradition of community powered improvements.
The RTV organising crew extend their heartfelt thanks to the vineyards, landowners, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community who made Round the Vines 2025 unforgettable.
Here’s to another year of fun in the vines when we celebrate 30 years! See you in 2026!
