Get ready for marathon weekend

More than 12,500 runners are set to descend on Queenstown Lakes this Saturday for the tenth Queenstown Marathon.

The event is set to welcome the highest number of registered full-distance marathoners in its history at more than 3,000 participants, once again making it the largest marathon field in the country.

The 2024 runners across all distances represent 91 different nationalities, who make up almost 30% of entries, and 90% of runners are from outside the district.

That means the event is expected to inject around $20 million into the regional economy over the coming week.

"This event has truly become an annual highlight on the running calendar, as people from near and far flock to the region for a weekend of running, adventure, and great food and drink,” Queenstown Marathon Regional Director Amy MacCormack says.

"Between the beautiful trails and scenery, friendly atmosphere and idyllic location, this event holds a special place in the hearts of many people, and we’re excited to add another chapter to it this year.

"It’s great to see so many past participants coming back to be a part of these celebrations, as well as lots of new faces – it’s certainly going to be a weekend to remember."

The New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon, presented by ASICS, will see thousands of runners take on one of four distances, with the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Marathon, La Roche Posay Half Marathon, 10km and Kids Run all on offer.

Marathon day gets underway with the 10km from 7.30am. The Half begins at 8am followed by the Marathon at 8.20am. The last event of the day is the Kids Run which kicks off at 1pm.

The courses take in the best highlights of the region along the stunning Queenstown trail network including Millbrook, Arrowtown, Arrow River, Lake Hayes, Old Shotover Bridge, Twin Rivers trail, Lake Wakatipu, and Queenstown Gardens.

Elites to Watch

While the Queenstown Marathon is an event that focuses on runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, it does attract some of New Zealand’s leading distance runners.

Most notably, five-time champion Hannah Oldroyd will return to defend the women’s title. If she wins on Saturday, the Christchurch-based British runner will etch her name further into the history books on the 10-year anniversary of the event by securing her sixth Queenstown Marathon title, and fourth on the bounce.

In the men’s marathon, Cameron Avery will line up as the hot favourite. The Cantabrian’s list of accolades is impressive, with Avery currently New Zealand’s top-ranked male marathon runner and the seventh fastest Kiwi of all time over the marathon distance, with a PB of 2.10.52 set this year at the Vienna Marathon. With most of his achievements coming overseas, Avery is set to make his domestic marathon debut and is going all out to secure not only the Queenstown Marathon title, but the course record too.

Meanwhile in the half marathon, former winners are back on the start line hoping to once again claim victory. In the women’s race, 2022 Queenstown Half Marathon champion Amy Cogle is back for her second crack at the title, with the Australian likely to face competition from her compatriot Madeline Heiner, an Olympic Games representative. The men’s half marathon features three former champions in the shape of Jack Moody (2020, 2022), Mike Phillips (2016), and Adam Jaques (2014), winner of the inaugural Queenstown Half Marathon 10 years ago.

2024 Facts & Figures

• Over 12,500 registered participants taking part across five distances
• Highest number of registered marathoners in 10-year history at more than 3,000, once again making it the event with the largest marathon field in the country
• Women make up 58% of the field while men make up 42%
• 38 is the average age of participants
• The youngest runner is five years old, while the oldest is 88 years old
• 73% of participants are first timers to the event
• 89% of participants are travelling to the event from outside the Queenstown-Lakes District
  Canterbury (19%) is the most represented region, followed by Otago (18%)
• Entrants represent 91 different countries
• International athletes make up 28% of entries – up almost 10% on last year
• The most represented nations are New Zealand, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Japan
• 44 Founding Runners will return to the event this year, having taken part in every edition of the Queenstown Marathon since 2014
• The event is expected to inject around $20 million in economic benefit to the region
• 700 volunteers will help make the event a succes

 

For more information and last-minute entries into the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon presented by ASICS visit queenstown-marathon.co.nz/