Sotheby's Queenstown Marathon

The Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon incorporates 42km, 21km 10km and 3km kids run options. Set between the backdrop of the world renowned Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges and taking in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region including Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens and finishing in the heart of Queenstown itself. A ‘must-do’ event for runners from all corners of the globe.

Events

• Marathon
• Half Marathon 
• 10km
• Kids Run

Course

MARATHON: A point to point course with easy running on a mainly flat, fast course, with a few undulations to keep it interesting. The course offers a unique mix of running terrain, with 60% of the course on smooth hard packed trails and 40% on road.  The course takes in the best highlights of the region including Millbrook, Arrowtown, Arrow River, Lake Hayes, Old Shotover Bridge, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. The race finishes at the Queenstown Memorial Centre Recreation Ground. 

Walkers are welcome to enter the Marathon. Please adhere to all course cut off times and ensure walkers start at the back behind the runners and keep to the left at all times.

   Marathon Course Map

HALF MARATHON: Easy running on a mainly flat course, with some undulations to keep it interesting. The course offers a unique mix of running terrain including smooth hard packed trails and road running. Walkers are welcome to enter this event  Please ensure walkers start at the back behind the runners and keep to the left at all times.

  Half Marathon Course Map

10K: Easy running on a fast flat course set in a stunning location. The course offers a unique mix of running terrain including smooth hard packed trails and road running. The course takes in the best highlights of the region including Frankton Arm walkway, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens.

Start Time

Marathon:                              8:20am, The Avenue, Millbrook Resort
Half Marathon:                      8:00am from Speargrass Flat Road
10k:                                       7:45am from Allan Cresent, Frankton

Self seeded start zones will be in place for the start of the Marathon and Half Marathon. Results are calculated on net (mat) times. 

Cut-Off Times

Marathon: cut off points will be in place along the way: 

• runners much reach the start of the Lake Hayes Trail (11.65km) by 10:30am
• corner Speargrass Flat Rd/Slope Hill Rd (19.5km by 11:58am
• Aid Station 7/Spence Rd (26.5km) by 1:12pm
• Aid Station 9/Frankton (32km) by 2:13pm.

The course will be officially closed at 4:00pm. 

Expo

When:                    Thursday                3:00pm to 7:00pm
                                Friday                     9:00am to 9:00pm

Where:                  Queenstown Events Centre                

Race Pack Collection

Race packs are collected from the Expo on Thursday/Friday (see above). You will be issued with a race number, timing device and gear bag tag. Please bring your e-ticket to registration to speed up this process. Please pin your running number to the front of your T-shirt or running vest.

Shuttle Transfer to Race Start

The easy shuttle service will take you from Queestown direct to the start line of the Marthon, First Half-Half Marathon, Half Marathon or 10km. The service operates as a continuous direct service from the Event Hub at Queenstown Recreation Ground. Your shuttle bus ticket is included in your entry. 

A shuttle bus service will operate frequently from 6:00am to 7:00am. Half Marathon pickup is Boundary St car park, near the Memorial Centre. Marathon pickup is on Robins Road, next to the Queenstown Primary School.  Please wear your wristband and show the driver on boarding. Your shuttle bus ticket is included with your entry.

Aid Stations

Aid stations are on course for all distances. There will be 11 aid stations on the marathon course, 5 on the Half Marathon courses and 2 on the 10km. Aid stations will provide water, energy drinks, toilet facilities and first aid. Refer to Course maps for Aid station locations.

Bad Drop

There will be a bag drop service available at the start line of each race. Only Event Race Bags will be accepted. Please label your bag with the Bag tag provided at registration and drop it off at the designated bag drop area. Your bags will be transported to the finish area at Queenstown Memorial Centre Recreational Ground and will be available for you to collect when you complete your race. Please collect your Bag by 4:30pm Saturday 22nd November before you leave the finish area.

Minimum Age

Must be 18 on race day to compete in the Marathon and 16 for the Half Marathon.

Results

Results are based on net (mat) times. Top three will be awarded based on gun time. Marathon age group categories will be awarded on net times. 

Timing

Timing mats will be located at each race distance start and at the finish line. Marathon runners will receive a split time at the 10km, half-way, 10km to go and 5km to go. Half marathon runners will receive a split time for 10km to go and 5km to go. First Half runners will receive a split time at 10km and the finish line. Results will be provided for overall placing and also by applicable age group category. Your timing device must be fixed to your running shoe. No device, no time.

Finish Area

The finish area will offer the full post-race experience, where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere, refuel and enjoy celebrating your achievement with friends and family. You can make a day of it whilst cheering on other finishers, enjoying the entertainment, local food and beverage and Expo.

Once you have crossed the finish line there will be water, medical facilities and a rest area available immediately should you require them. Before you leave the finish area please remove and return your timing device and place in one of the labelled drop zones.

Post-Race Recovery and Massage

A recovery area will be located at the finish line, where you can also enjoy a post-race massage. No bookings required, just turn up. $10 for 10mins. 

Awards

All Marathon finishers will receive a Finishers’ Medal. 1st, 2nd, 3rd places in each age group category will be acknowledged (men and women).

Weather

Average day time temperature is 16 degrees. 

Prize Giving and After Party

All prizes are awarded at the prize-giving which will take place at 3:30pm on Saturday at the Recreation Ground.

Not Permitted

Due to Health and Safety, wheeled conveyances (including wheelchairs, baby buggies, scooters, bikes, inline skates) cannot be used for all events. Accompanying animals are not allowed on the course. Headphones and personal music devices are discouraged.

Why Queenstown?

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and if you come to the region you’ll understand why. The town sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic ranges.

The lake and mountain landscape make it suited to all kinds of adventure. There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, superb biking, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. If hard core adventure isn't your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available. Queenstown is also home to several internationally renowned golf courses. Experience one of the many walking & hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.

Head out of Queenstown and the drama of the Central Otago landscape unfolds around you. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you’ll recognize many of the locations of Middle-earth here. Twenty minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown’s gold-mining history is alive and vibrant. Visit the Lakes District Museum or go gold panning. Forty minutes from Queenstown at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu is rural Glenorchy and Paradise Valley. From here it’s a short drive into the Mt Aspiring National Park and the start of some of New Zealand’s great walks.

Accommodation 

We believe that it's important to find accommodation to suit you. Whether you are after budget, luxury, on the water, hot and cold running champagne, just tell us and we'll do our best to match you with your perfect location.

While you're thinking about it, be inspired!

2024 Queenstown Marathon Entry and Accommodation Packages

Queenstown is the adrenalin capital of the world. Stunning scenery, majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes and endless activities. Queenstown also has accommodation options, whether you’d like to enjoy a hotel on the shores of Lake Wakitipu, an apartment to share with your running friends/family or a luxury retreat, Queenstown has it all.

Not only can we find the right accommodation solution but we can also assist with options for sightseeing and activities.

RunFun Travel has a range of travel options to suit your budget, whatever it is. Let us put together an itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our commitment to you is to meet your needs, not have you meet ours.

Our travel packages are inclusive of:

• Guaranteed Entry to the Queenstown International Marathon or race of your choice
• Accommodation of your choice
• Official Gear Bag
• Shuttle transfer to the start on race day
• Finishers' Medal
• Post Event Recovery area with Food and Drink

HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER!

RunFun Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and can assist you with:

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Airport transfers (where not included)
• Overseas car rental, driving routes, suggested stops along your way
• Ongoing transfers and travel plans

Please contact us for an obligation free quote that will enhance your trip and we’ll make sure you run the time of your life!

Take Advantage of Queenstown While You're There!

While in Queenstown, why not take advantage of the enormous number of activities available, whether you’d prefer a trip across the lake on the SS Earnslaw or and adrenalin rush as you bungy jump, we can assist with all your plans. Here’s some suggestions to get you thinking!

• Skydive Queenstown
• Queenstown Zipline Tour
• Bungy Jump
• Full day trip to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
• Walter Peak High Country Farm Tour
• Skippers Canyon Jet Boat
• Queenstown Golf Club
• White Water Rafting
• …. to name a few!