The WMC was established in 1981. An early motivation was to train runners, in part for the health benefits of running. 

In 1986 the WMC established the Harbour Capital Half Marathon to promote the club and to promote running around our region. The original half-marathon course started at Taranaki Street, to Island Bay, around the south coast and under the airport runway, through Miramar, back through the Cutting to Cobham Drive, and around past Oriental Bay to finish near the start. The event moved to start & finish at Westpac Stadium from 2003. A full marathon was introduced in 2005. Subsequently, distances of 10k, Kids’ Magic Mile, and 5k were added. 

The event was branded as the Wellington Marathon in 2010. The event was owned and run by the WMC for 30 years, latterly aided by an event manager. On race day the event relied heavily on several large community groups to supply almost 20 volunteers around the course. Westpac Stadium, Wellington City Council and Shoe Clinic were a big part of the event’s growth, with Shoe Clinic being the longest-standing sponsor at 17 years. Many volunteers were inspired to be participants in future years. Grass roots community involvement is what the event and the Wellington Runners & Walkers have always been about. 

Eventually, the event size became difficult for the club to administer, and the club decided to sell the event. In 2016 it became the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon Event.