Photo David Maunsell / Unsplash
- Marathon
- Half
Queenstown
Queenstown Marathon
Trails past Lake Hayes and Old Shotover Bridge to Queenstown Recreation Ground.
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2026 edition
Next up
Countdown
12
days to 14 Nov 2026
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Hilly
- Climb
- 340 m
- Entry
- NZ$292
About
The race
The NZ Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon takes runners through the heart of New Zealand's adventure capital, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Crown Range and the Remarkables mountain range. The course takes in the best highlights of the region including Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown, the Arrow River, Lake Hayes, the Old Shotover Bridge, the Twin Rivers trail, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Runners head through the historic gold rush town of Arrowtown and along the Arrow River trails, around the stunning Lake Hayes, past the Old Shotover Bridge and along the Kawarau River, before finishing inside the Queenstown Recreation Ground in the heart of town. 70% of the course is on smooth hard-packed trails and 30% on road surfaces, combined with a mainly flat gradient. November in Queenstown brings late spring conditions, with crisp mornings of around 4°C warming to a pleasant 18°C by race time, providing near-ideal marathon running conditions. The race weekend includes a half marathon, a Marathon Sports Expo and Athlete Check-In at the Queenstown Events Centre.
Every year
Editions
Ballot, charity and tour places
Getting 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.
Ballot
Entries are drawn at random from everyone who applies.
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
- Details
Other
Late entries accepted in person at Athlete Check-In, unless sold out prior.
Ballot
Dates not announcedBallot opens
TBA
Ballot closes
14 Nov 2026, 12:00
Draw
TBA
Results
TBA
Charity places
Queenstown Trails Trust
Fundraising target on request
The Heart Foundation
Fundraising target on request
Tour operators
No tour packages listed yet.