Branded “The World’s Most Beautiful Runway”, the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon will take place once again in Queenstown, New Zealand on 21 November 2015. The international running festival offers run options for all ages from 42km, 21km, 10km to a 3km fun run for kids. Set amongst New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes, runners will get to experience the best of Queenstown – Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Shotover Bridge, Twin Rivers trail, Lake Wakatipu and more.
The inaugural event was a big success last year, drawing over 6,000 participants. Despite only being in its second year, the Queenstown International Marathon is quickly becoming an iconic sporting event not to be missed and is expected to attract 7,500 entrants this year.
Watch this video to see what running the Queenstown International Marathon is like:
The Air New Zealand Full Marathon
The full marathon will start at 8:45am at The Avenue, Millbrook Resort and the course takes 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, eventually finishing at the Queenstown Memorial Centre Recreation Ground. Running is easy, with a few undulations to keep it interesting as it offers a unique mix of running terrain, with 70% of the course on smooth hard packed trails and 30% on road. You can find out more about the route here.
The ASICS Half Marathon
For those who prefer a shorter run, the half marathon commences slightly earlier at 8:00am at Speargrass Flat Road and also finishes at the Queenstown Memorial Centre Recreation Ground. This route offers unique mix of running terrain including smooth hard packed trails and road running. Find out more about the route here.
“Shake” Your Way to the Marathon and Win a Free Trip to Queenstown for the Race!
If you are already convinced that the Queenstown Marathon is a must-do in your lifetime, there is great news! Air New Zealand is offering you the opportunity to win an unforgettable trip to Queenstown to take part in the marathon! From today till 8 September, take the Air New Zealand 1-Minute Marathon Challenge with your mobile phone here and break your personal best records by shaking as many times as you can in 1 minute!
As long as you achieve at least 601 “shakes”, you will be entered into a Grand Lucky Draw where one winner will be chosen to win a complimentary entry to the Full/Half Marathon, a roundtrip Economy Class ticket from Singapore to Queenstown (via Auckland) on the brand-new Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner and a 5D4N stay at the luxurious The Rees Hotel, Queenstown!
Of Course, There’s More than Running
Queenstown’s stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealand’s favourite visitor destination. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. It will be almost summer during the marathon and it is a great time to be out and enjoy everything that Queenstown has to offer. Test your mettle with a bungy jump, jetboat ride, swing or skydive if you are keen to experience the renowned Queenstown adrenaline rush. Go on and visit Tourism New Zealand if you are keen to find out more.
Is the second annual Queenstown International Marathon on your 2015 event calendar yet? It should be! Whether you are 16 or 70+, there is a run category with your name on it and you will return home with proof that you have competed and crossed the finish line toting finisher medals, gifts and, of course, prize money. But you likely have more on your mind than cash. Like a new personal best. The opportunity to see New Zealand at last. Or perhaps you are just intrigued by the idea of a course that is picture-postcard perfect.
Sign up for the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon today!
Finding Your Way There
Air New Zealand flies daily direct from Singapore to Auckland, connecting travellers to 20 domestic destinations within New Zealand including Queenstown, Napier (Hawke’s Bay), Wellington, Christchurch and more. The airline offers world class inflight product and state of the art onboard technology; including the lie-flat Business Premier, award-winning Premium Economy, innovative Economy Skycouch; a row of three seats that easily converts into a flat surface for rest and relaxation, as well as Economy.
As a response to strong registrations for the Queenstown International Marathon, the airline has recently announced increased capacity into Queenstown from Auckland to accommodate the high demand for marathon registrations.
More information is available at Air New Zealand site.
