Excitement Building as the Queenstown Marathon returns

Over 12,000 athletes are set to descend on Queenstown this weekend as the 2022 New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon returns on Saturday 19 November.

One of the world’s most scenic marathons returns to the trails of Queenstown after a two-year COVID-enforced hiatus and will welcome back international runners for the first time since 2019.

The eighth edition of the popular event will be the largest to date, with the sold out La Roche Posay Half Marathon and Havana Coffee 10km events contributing to a record number of entries, while the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Marathon will be the largest marathon field in the country this year.

Race Director Keegan McCauley says he is excited the event is returning to Queenstown after two years away.

“With the 2022 Queenstown Marathon just days away the town is buzzing with excitement, which we know will be matched by the 12,000 athletes and their supporters who have patiently waited to get back to this event and stunning destination for two years,” said McCauley.

“Runners from across the country and around the world love this event and it is vitally important to the Queenstown-Lakes District as it pumps millions of dollars into local businesses, many which have been adversely affected by the pandemic,” he said. “On Saturday, Queenstown will once again host one of the world’s most beautiful marathons and we can’t wait to see athletes celebrating their achievements throughout the whole weekend.”

International participants are set to return to the Queenstown Marathon for the first time in three years and make up 14% of entries.

One of those travelling from Australia for the event is Queenslander Andrea Vasey, who plans to spend four days soaking in the highlights of the region alongside her friend.

“It is my first time running Queenstown, we had originally planned to do it in 2020 and again in 2021 but COVID restrictions prevented us so we’re really excited to finally be coming,” she said. “We love Queenstown as we get a chance to visit our favourite winery Amisfield for lunch and dine in the other beautiful restaurants that we love.”

On completing the Half Marathon this Saturday, Andrea will become a Runaway MVP – meaning she will have taken part in all three Runaway Series events: Queenstown Marathon, Hawke’s Bay Marathon, and Runaway Noosa Marathon.

The Queenstown Marathon is an important event for the region as it brings thousands of athletes along with their friends and whānau to the region and provides a welcome boost to local business. The 2022 event is expected to bring in over $20 million in economic benefit.

Queenstown’s Aimee Cornforth is one of 45 Founding Runners, having taken part in the event every year since it began in 2014.

“My favourite things about the Queenstown event are the course and the scenery, and the support on the sidelines from the crowds especially through town and up that wee hill just before the finish line,” she said. “The event always draws a big crowd from around the country and overseas which is always important for a tourist town – and also gives us locals something to participate in and keep us motivated to get out on the trails that make up the marathon course and keep running.”

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

Title partner New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty have added a new addition to the course this year, creating the Ultimate Global Open Home, the world’s first on-course open home. All athletes will run through the exclusive marquee located by the Public Beach Reserve along Shoreline Road, Frankton, with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Managing Director Mark Harris says he hopes the installation will provide a pick-me-up to athletes as they as they journey down the course.

“We are very excited to bring this fun concept to the Queenstown Marathon this year – good luck to all the athletes,” he said.

Participant Facts & Figures

• Over 12,000 athletes are taking part across four distances

• More females than males are taking part (58:42)

• Average age of those participating is 38

• 69% are taking part in the event for the first time

• 91% of participants are travelling to the event from outside the Queenstown-Lakes District

• Entrants represent 97 different countries

• International athletes make up 14% of entries

• The oldest participant is 87-year-old David Graham, taking part in the Half Marathon

• There are multiple youngest competitors at 5 years old, all taking part in the Kids Run