How to get into the Queenstown Marathon 2026.

Ways in

There are 6 ways into the Queenstown Marathon, each with what it involves and, where we have it, the organizer's own detail.

1. 01

   First come, first served

   Entry opens on a set date and closes when the field is full.

   At this race: Late entries will be accepted in person at Athlete Check-In, unless sold out prior. Online entries close at 5:00pm on 13 November 2026.

2. 02

   Ballot

   Apply while the ballot is open. Places are then drawn at random from everyone who applied, and those drawn are invited to pay the entry fee.

   At this race: Entries are drawn at random from everyone who applies.

3. 03

   Qualifying time

   Run a time under the race's standard for your age and gender within the qualifying window, then apply with proof. At popular races, meeting the time doesn't always guarantee a place.

   At this race: First start group for Marathon and Half Marathon requires a qualification time (Marathon: Male under 3:15, Female under 3:35; Half Marathon: Male under 1:26, Female under 1:37).

4. 04

   Club membership

   Places set aside for members of a club or running organization, sometimes for completing a set number of its races.

   At this race: Group entries: Event Services team can assist with running, travel and community group bookings (10+ participants), contact [email protected].

5. 05

   Charity place

   Take a place from a partner charity and commit to raising a minimum amount for it. Charities usually ask you to apply and choose their runners.

   At this race: Fundraise for the official charity partner, Queenstown Trails Trust

6. 06

   Other

   Another route the organizer offers.

   At this race: Late entries accepted in person at Athlete Check-In, unless sold out prior.

   Organizer's details

Ballot dates

The ballot for the 2026 race, as the organizer announced it.

1. Ballot opens

   TBA

2. Ballot closes

   14 Nov 2026

3. Draw

   TBA

4. Results

   TBA

Qualifying times

First start group for Marathon and Half Marathon requires a qualification time (Marathon: Male under 3:15, Female under 3:35; Half Marathon: Male under 1:26, Female under 1:37).

We don't have this race's standards yet; the official site lists them.

Charity places and tours

Both are guaranteed places. A charity place asks you to raise a minimum amount; a tour package bundles entry with travel and a hotel.

FAQ

When does the Queenstown Marathon ballot open?

The ballot for the 2026 race is open now and closes on 14 Nov 2026.

Can I get into the Queenstown Marathon without the ballot?

Yes. Besides the ballot there are 5 other ways in. First come, first served: Late entries will be accepted in person at Athlete Check-In, unless sold out prior. Online entries close at 5:00pm on 13 November 2026. Qualifying time: First start group for Marathon and Half Marathon requires a qualification time (Marathon: Male under 3:15, Female under 3:35; Half Marathon: Male under 1:26, Female under 1:37). Club membership: Group entries: Event Services team can assist with running, travel and community group bookings (10+ participants), contact [email protected]. Charity place: Fundraise for the official charity partner, Queenstown Trails Trust. Other: Late entries accepted in person at Athlete Check-In, unless sold out prior.

Looking for other ballots? See every ballot opening soon.