RunningNew Zealand

Queenstown Marathon

Queenstown, Otago·Date to be confirmed·Marathon / Half Marathon / 10 km / Kids Marathon
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Quick Information

At a glance.

Location

📍 Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

Usually Held

🗓 Mid November

2026 Event Date

Date to be confirmed

Distances

Marathon · Half Marathon · 10 km · Kids Marathon

Course Type

Mixed

Difficulty

Intermediate

Entries

Date to be confirmed

Official Website

Visit event site

Last Updated

November 2025

Countdown

Race date to be confirmed

Preparing for this event?

Recommended plan: 16 Week Marathon Build.

  • ✔Scenic marathoners
  • ✔Trail-curious road runners
  • ✔Second marathon
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Overview

The event.

The Queenstown Marathon threads runners through some of New Zealand's most photographed landscape — Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau and Shotover rivers, and the Remarkables mountain range. The course is largely off-road on gravel trails and paths, making it a hybrid road/trail event with fast, runnable footing but a genuinely scenic mountain backdrop. Held in mid November, it also functions as the final long-distance goal race for the New Zealand season.

Small-town warmth, alpine views, spring flowers, and a finish line surrounded by the Southern Alps in Queenstown Gardens.

Who it suitsMarathoners who want the scenery of a trail race with the pacing of a road race.

Distances

Marathon
Half Marathon
10 km
Kids Marathon

Course Breakdown

The route.

Course profile
Rolling. Around 300m of total elevation.
Surface
70% gravel trail, 30% sealed road.
Elevation
To be confirmed
Aid stations
Every 3km with water, sports drink and gels.
Expected conditions
Spring alpine — 6–18°C with variable weather.

Difficulty Snapshot

Col de Sud assessment.

Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability

General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.

Typical Conditions

What to expect.

Temperature
6–18°C
Humidity
Low
Wind
Light–moderate
Rain likelihood
Possible
Water temperature
TBC
Altitude
310m base

How to Train

Preparing your body.

Recommended preparation

16 weeks with hybrid road/trail long runs.

Long sessions

Long runs to 32km with 300–500m elevation.

Strength training

Weekly single-leg and calf strength.

Recovery

One rest, one easy day per week.

Course-specific prep

Practise gravel footing and gentle undulation — the course rewards steady pacing.

Nutrition practice

Rehearse gel-based fuelling on gravel to test GI tolerance.

Equipment testing

Lightweight trail-road hybrid shoes work best for many runners.

Key weekly sessions

  • — Long run on rolling gravel
  • — Threshold on flat
  • — Marathon-pace tempo
  • — 2 easy runs

Race Weekend Guide

Plan your trip.

Travel

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) direct flights from most Australian cities and Auckland.

Accommodation

Central Queenstown or Frankton — both walking distance to the finish precinct.

Packet collection

Friday and Saturday at the Queenstown event hub.

Parking

Limited in central Queenstown — walk or shuttle to the start.

Public transport

Free event shuttle buses from Queenstown to the marathon start at Millbrook.

Weather

Spring — cool morning, warmer finish. Bring a throwaway warm layer.

What to pack

Bib, gels, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm layer.

Nutrition

Book Saturday-night dinner early — Queenstown fills up on race weekend.

Recovery

Onsen Hot Pools overlooking the Shotover River is a runner favourite.

Local cafés

Vudu Café or Bespoke Kitchen for the ultimate Queenstown brunch.

After the race

Stay a few extra days for a Milford Sound day trip, Ben Lomond hike or Cardrona ride.

Frequently Asked

Questions we hear.

Is the Queenstown Marathon on trails or roads?+

Roughly 70% is on gravel trails and 30% on sealed road, but the footing is fast and runnable throughout.

How hilly is the course?+

Rolling with around 300m of elevation gain — noticeable but not brutal.

What time of year is it?+

Mid November — southern-hemisphere spring.

Is it suitable for a first marathon?+

Yes with proper preparation, though it is more challenging than a flat road marathon like Gold Coast.

How do I get to the start?+

Free event shuttles run from central Queenstown to the marathon start at Millbrook.

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Last details checked: November 2025