Queenstown Marathon: Everything you need to know

The Queenstown Marathon is one of the world's most scenic marathons. Photo / @queenstownmarathon

More than 12,500 are expected to run today at the 2024 Queenstown Marathon, the highest number of participants in its 10-year history.

Against stunning mountain ranges, lakes, gardens, and towns, it’s easy to see why the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon is so popular among thousands of runners and spectators. From race course details to where to get the best food in the area, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Queenstown Marathon.

What

The event caters to abilities and distances with four race options: the 42km Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km, and the 3km Kids Run.

Runners will get to see some of the best sights Queenstown Lake District has to offer, starting at the Millbrook Resort and then passing through Arrowtown, Lakes Hayes, Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens, and finishes at the Recreation Centre.

When

The main running events start on Saturday, November 16 between 7.30am and 1pm.

• 7.30am - 10km Start
• 8am - La Roche Posay Half Marathon Start
• 8.20am - NZ Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon Start
• 1pm Kids Run Start

How to get there

Address: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown.

From Queenstown Airport, you can take the Orbus public bus, bus line 1 and stop at Frankton Terminus. From there it’s around a 12-minute walk to the Queenstown Events Centre. You can take the same bus route if staying in accommodation downtown.

You can pay for Orbus using a Bee Card or cash. The easiest way to purchase and top up one is at Queenstown Airport or online.

If you want to walk straight there from the airport, it will take you around 22 minutes.

Where to stay and eat

Crowne Plaza Queenstown is located centrally and has spectacular views of mountains and lakes. It’s also conveniently located on the Orbus bus line 1 service.

If you’re after luxury and peaceful surroundings, the five-star Rees Hotel is a good option. It sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and features elegant rooms, apartments, and lakeside residences, many with private balconies and panoramic views of the lake and Remarkables mountain range - and award-winning dining.

Budget travellers might opt for the Tahuna Pod Hostel, which offers a slightly bigger bed than your average hostel and is comfortable.

For munching, Devil Burger is a must-visit for gourmet burgers, perfect for carb-loading. Vudu Cafe & Larder offers healthy, hearty breakfasts and excellent coffee to fuel your run. For post-marathon celebrations, head to Botswana Butchery for a fine dining experience or Blue Kanu, known for its creative Asian-Pacific fusion dishes. And for something sweet, try the iconic Cookie Time Cookie Bar.

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Road closures

Temporary road closures will affect the Lower Shotover/ Domain Rd Intersection, Shotover St, Malaghans Rd and Centennial Ave, and Sugar Lane will also have restricted access.