New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon

The New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon is a long-established and celebrated autumn event in New Zealand’s adventure capital, first run in the 1990s and grown into one of the most scenic road marathons in the Southern Hemisphere. Held on 14 November 2026 with an 08:45 start, the race draws a mix of elite athletes, serious club runners, and international destination runners who come for both the competition and the spectacular surroundings. The event is steeped in local support and tourism-friendly organization, showcasing the region’s hospitality with expo events, community festivities, and post-race celebrations in central Queenstown.

The course winds along pristine sections of Lake Wakatipu and through the picturesque Queenstown Gardens, with sweeping views of the Remarkables mountain range and the lake’s mirror-like waters providing constant visual rewards. Runners experience a varied route that combines flat, fast lakeside running with gentle rolling sections through parkland and quiet residential areas, making it both scenic and runnable for a wide range of abilities. Aid stations, enthusiastic roadside supporters, and live music at select points create a lively, festival-like atmosphere that blends the serious focus of marathon racing with Queenstown’s adventurous, celebratory spirit.

The race course is AIMS/Athletics New Zealand certified and has historically been accepted as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it attractive for athletes chasing qualifying times as well as those pursuing personal bests or a memorable destination marathon. Overall, the Queenstown Marathon offers a world-class, well-supported race experience in one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.