Your job is simple, bring the energy
There is something pretty special about seeing a familiar face out on course or hearing your name yelled near the finish line.

Your runner might tell you they are fine. They might act cool. They might say they do not need a cheer squad. Ignore that!

A well-timed cheer, a handmade sign, a high five, or someone yelling “you’re nearly there” can completely change their day. Bring the cowbell. Make the sign. Wear the silly outfit. Be the person they remember seeing when the legs were starting to question everyone’s life choices.

The best places to support
There are three distance at Run The Forest, so the best place to support will depend on which distance your person is doing.

Starship Foundation 21km Pohutu Geyser Trail (MAP)

1. ​Startline, Catch the nerves, the excitement, and the energy before they set off!
2. 18km to go, Waipa MTB Carpark , perfect spot for a cowbell and a 'Keep Going!' sign.
3. 9km to go, Mokopuna Track, They are nearly at the flat bit now, your signs should have some humour.
4. Finish Line, Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your athlete cross the finish! Bring noise, hugs, and maybe tissues too.

Rotorua Canopy Tours 10km Geothermal Traverse (MAP)

1. ​Startline, Catch the nerves, the excitement, and the energy before they set off!
2. 8km to go, 49 Sala Street, Bring some noise, they have a bit of a hill here.
3. 3km to go, Puarenga Park, They are on the flat bit now, your signs should have some humour.
4. Finish Line, Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your athlete cross the finish! Bring noise, hugs, and maybe tissues too.

Rotorua Canopy Tours 10km Geothermal Traverse (MAP)

1. ​Startline, This is best if you are on a push bike.  Vehicle Traffic will be delayed!
2. 3km to go, Puarenga Park, They are on the flat bit now, your signs should have some humour.
3. Finish Line, Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your athlete cross the finish! Bring noise, hugs, and maybe tissues too.

On-course support
The forest is a special place to support, but please make sure you are in a safe and sensible location. Follow marshal instructions at all times, keep clear of the course, and do not block trails, intersections or narrow sections.

Great supporter energy is encouraged. Accidentally becoming a course obstacle is not. If you are moving around the course, allow extra time. Roads, parking and access can be busy, and some areas may be affected by event operations. Walking or biking between nearby viewing points can be a great option if it suits your plan.

Finish line, Government Gardens
The finish line is where the magic happens. This is where the relief kicks in, the medals go on, the hugs happen, and someone who was questioning every life decision 20 minutes earlier suddenly starts talking about next year. If you only choose one place to support, make it the finish line. Arrive early, bring warm layers, grab a coffee if you can, and get ready to make some noise.
NOTE: Due to CBD bylaws dogs are not permitted in this area

What to bring
A good supporter kit makes the day much easier. Bring warm layers, water, snacks, a phone charger, comfortable shoes, and anything that helps you settle in and enjoy the day. A sign is highly encouraged.  The more personal, the better, google running supporter signs for inspiration.  

Supporter etiquette
We love loud support. We also love safe support.

Please keep these in mind:

• Follow all marshal and event crew instructions.
• Stay off the course unless you are crossing at an approved point. Do not follow on course.
• Do not stop runners for long chats or photos if they are still moving.
• Keep dogs under control if they are with you. 
• Be kind to volunteers, marshals, staff, other supporters and participants.
• Take your rubbish with you.
• Cheer for people you do not know. It makes the whole event better.

Make a day of it
Run The Forest is part run, part Rotorua winter weekend. Once your person has finished, stick around, soak up the finish line atmosphere, grab food or coffee, take the medal photo, and enjoy the fact that you supported someone through something pretty special.

Then go full Rotorua. Hot pools, brunch, a walk, a drink, a nap, whatever recovery looks like for your crew.

Final word for supporters
You matter more than you think. The cheer you give at the start, the sign they spot on course, the hug at the finish, the dry hoodie you remembered to bring, that is all part of the Run The Forest experience. So show up loud, show up warm, show up ready. The forest is calling, and your runner is going to need you.

This is not the time to play it cool. This is the time to go full forest hype squad.

Make a sign. Funny. Encouraging. Even slightly unhinged. We’re here for it.
Some all-time faves:

• “Smile if you peed a little.”
• “You’re doing amazing, sweaty.”
• “This seemed like a good idea 3 months ago!”

Dress up. Tutus, morph suits, wigs, matching outfits, inflatable dinosaurs — we love to see it. Bonus points for glitter or group themes.

Bring a speaker. Crank the tunes (respectfully), and create a one-person rave in the bush. It’s impossible to walk past Taylor Swift and not smile. Fact.

Your mission: Make your runner feel like an absolute rockstar.

Want front row seats to the action? These are the best places to cheer loud and make memories:

Start Lines:

• 21km start line @ Te Puia – Big energy. Hype them up before they hit the trails.
• 10km start line @ Froude Street Reserve – Early nerves. Coffee and claps, people.
• 7km start line @ The Sails – Shake out the nerves with good energy and loud cheers.

Hotspots:

• Redwoods Aid Station – Just past halfway and deep in the forest – where your cowbell and energy hit hardest.
• Sala Street – Prime cheer zone! Bring the signs, bring the vibes, and catch your runners flying by.
• Sulphur Point – Scenic and sunny – perfect for photos and cheering as they enter the final stretch.

Finish Line:

• Government Gardens – Good vibes only. Tears and finish line photos incoming.

🗺️ Hot tip: Give yourself extra time to move between spots. Parking can fill up fast — walking or biking is a great move to get around the forest.

That moment they see you on course? Game changer.
That sign you thought was “too silly”? Burned into their memory forever.
That last big yell 200m from the finish? It gets them there.

Your support turns a their run into something unforgettable.
So go big. Go bold. Go full forest cheerleader.

We see you – and we love you for it. 💚