Thousands of runners registering for the 35th Auckland Marathon discovered an unintentional printing error on commemorative merchandise as event organizers confirmed that female participants’ names were left off half-marathon hoodies and t-shirts due to a mismatched printing list.
The Auckland Marathon returns for its 35th year on Sunday, drawing more than 18,000 registered participants across five race distances (Newstalkzb). Among them, 8,000 runners signed up for the half-marathon, with women making up 46% of the field (Newstalkzb). But as competitors collected their race packs on Queens Wharf at The Cloud, many encountered a glaring omission on the back of official commemorative garments (Newstalkzb).
How the Name Printing Mismatch Happened
Because of the massive scale of the half-marathon field, event organizers separated the participant lists for printing (Newstalkzb). According to Ironman regional director Nicky van den Bos, the printing has not pulled through the female names on the merchandise, on the name tees and the hoodies only
(1news). Instead, the men’s participant names were printed on both the men’s and women’s half-marathon items (Newstalkzb).
Organizers emphasized that the error is restricted specifically to the half-marathon t-shirts and hoodies where runner names appear in small type alongside the event logo (Newstalkzb). Merchandise for other distances and general event gear remain unaffected (1news).
Runners Criticize Auckland Marathon for Missing Names
The oversight quickly surfaced online. A competitor using the TikTok handle @that_tasi posted a video viewed more than 100,000 times after discovering that her commemorative hoodie listed only male names (Newstalkzb). She described the merchandise issue as very disappointing
and low-key diabolical
after also finding that pre-purchased shirts and shorts were unavailable during bib collection (Newstalkzb).
This is soooo disappointing. Do better, Auckland Marathon.
Social media commenter, via Newstalkzb
Other participants voiced similar frustrations online. One runner wrote, Omg I thought I was actually going crazy when I couldn’t find my name,
while others initially suspected the missing names were intentional (Newstalkzb). Staff members stationed at bib collection tables acknowledged to attendees that the mistake was hugely disappointing
(Newstalkzb).
Organizer Apology and Remediation Options
Event leadership moved to address the backlash by offering refunds and organizing reprints (Newstalkzb). Van den Bos called the situation not ideal
and noted that management felt genuinely apologetic toward the affected runners (1news).
We sincerely apologise for the mistake and are working to make this right. Anyone who purchased an affected T-shirt or hoodie without realising their name was not included can request a full refund.
Auckland Marathon spokesperson, via Newstalkzb
Women registered for the half-marathon can purchase replacement items or request assistance at the Expo (Newstalkzb). Organizers are arranging a full reprint of the women’s half-marathon t-shirts and hoodies, which will be available for purchase and shipped free of charge following the event (Newstalkzb).