FAQ's.
General Entry Info:
When is the 2018 event?
Saturday 17 November 2018.
What time does it start?
7:45am for 10km, 8:00am for Half Marathon, 8:20am for Full Marathon, 1:00pm for the Kids Run
To ensure a smooth start for all runners and walkers, wave starts and self-seeded start zones will be in place at the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km start lines. Runners will need to gather in the appropriate zone depending on their expected race finish time. The wave start system will release a set number of runners at timed intervals after the start gun is fired. Walkers will need to gather at the back of the field behind the runners please.
Your race time is calculated from when you pass over the timing mat on the start line so no-one will be disadvantaged. Introducing wave starts will help everyone to run at their own pace across the course, give you a true race time. And you can soak in the scenery as much as you choose!
* Start times are subject to change
Can I enter after the online entry system closes on 14 November 2018?
No online entries will be accepted after 14 November 2018. We recommend that you enter online early as we have entry capacity limits and cannot guarantee an entry spot. Capacity permitting we may take late entries at registration.
What timing age-group categories will there be?
The Marathon age group categories are as follows for men and women:
18-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70+ years
The Half-Marathon age group categories are as follows for men and women:
16-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70+ years
The 10KM age group categories are as follows for men and women:
7-15 years, 16-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70+ years
The Kids Run age group categories are as follows for boys and girls:
5-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years
Is there prize money for the event?
Prize money will be awarded based on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female runner over the Finish Line in the Marathon and Half Marathon, and the 1st Male and Female over the Finish Line in the First Half Marathon.
| Category | Queenstown Marathon | Queenstown Half Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Man & Woman | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| 2nd Man & Woman | $1,500 | $750 |
| 3rd Man & Woman | $750 | $500 |
What other prizes are there?
Marathon - Non-monetary prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd placing in each running age group category for Men and Women, and will be based on participant's mat time.
Half Marathon – Non-monetary prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd placing in each running age group category for Men and Women, and will be based on participant's mat time.
10KM Run - Non-monetary prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd placing in each running age group category for Men and Women, and will be based on participant's mat time.
Kids’ Run - Kids’ Run entrants will receive an event memento. Non-monetary prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd placing in each age group category for boys and girls, and will be based on participant's mat time.
All competitors will be eligible for spot prizes and these will be randomly awarded as participants cross the finish line. The participant will be presented with a voucher that they then take to the Info Desk to claim their prize.
Can I enter as a walker?
Walkers are welcome to enter in all three event distances; Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10KM. Please ensure walkers start at the back behind the runners and keep to the left at all times.
Do you have a training schedule?
Training programs will be available for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km events four months prior to race day.
These will be located under the General Info tab.
What is the weather likely to be?
Spring is a beautiful time of year in Queenstown, with an average maximum temperature in late November of 16°C. The monthly rainfall average is 64mm with an average of 7.6 precipitation days. Please be aware that Queenstown is in an alpine region and therefore the weather can be variable. The day could start out cold and end up quite hot, so please prepare accordingly. Don’t forget to pack your thermal tops, a light rain jacket, cap, running tee and singlet options so you have all weather conditions covered!
Do you have travel or accommodation recommendations?
Air New Zealand operates an extensive flight network into Queenstown. Visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Our accommodation partner, Accor hotels.com, offers a choice of places to stay in Queenstown. Click here for more details.
Our car rental partner, AVIS offers an excellent range of vehicles and rental options for ease of travel around Queenstown. Visit their website www.avis.co.nz
Please note when making travel arrangements: race number collection will not be available on race day on Saturday 17 November 2018.
* Times are subject to change
Is there an Official Event Merchandise range?
Yes, we will have a wicked ASICS merchandise range available. Check the General Info tab to see the range.
Course Info:
Can you describe the Marathon course?
Easy running on a mainly flat course with a few undulations, set in a stunning location. The course offers a unique mix of running terrain, with 70% on smooth hard packed trails/dirt road and 30% on sealed road.
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.
Is there a time limit or cut off time for any of the events?
Marathon participants must reach the start of the Lake Hayes Trail (distance 11.65km) by 11:00am (race starts at 8:45am), the start of the Domain Road Track (distance 25km) by 1:10pm and the SH6 crossing (distance 32.2km) by 2:25pm. Due to course management and road closure restrictions, all courses will officially be closed at 4:00pm.
Will the course be closed to traffic?
70% of the course is on smooth hard packed trails, away from roads. The other 30% is on roads that are closed or partially closed to general traffic. These roads will be managed by Traffic Management specialists and where feasible local residents and businesses will be allowed controlled access on closed roads. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. In the interest of providing a safe and enjoyable event experience for all entrants please take in to account the following;
- Keep to the left of the course to allow people to pass on the right
- Be courteous to your fellow participants at all times
- Please obey instructions from race officials, volunteers and traffic management at all times
Has the course been officially measured?
Yes the Queenstown International Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km courses have been officially measured in accordance with AIMS measurement procedure.
Where are the aid stations located on course?
There will be 11 aid stations on the marathon course, 5 on the half-marathon and New First Half Marathon courses and 2 on the 10km course. Please refer to the Course maps for the aid station locations.
What will be available at aid stations?
The aid stations will provide water, POWERADE sports drink, NZ Natural Formulas Cramp Stop, toilet facilities and first aid. Nature Valley Energy Bars and One Square Bites (apricot, chocolate and cranberry flavours) will be available at Aid Stations 10 & 11 for Half Marathon runners, and Aid Stations 6,7,8,9,10 & 11 for Marathon runners.
Is the course open to Wheelchairs, Cycles, Roller Blades, Prams/Buggies, Skate-Boards, Walking Sticks?
Due to Health and Safety, wheeled conveyances (including wheelchairs, baby buggies, scooters, bikes, inline skates) cannot be used for all events. Accompanying animals are not allowed on the course.
Race Day Info:
Where can I park near the Queenstown Memorial Centre?
The closest public car parking to the Queenstown Memorial Centre is on Boundary Street, and at Queenstown Primary School fields (accessed from Hamilton Road), both approximately 100m away. There is also public parking at the Man Street car park approximately 300m away which can be accessed from Isle St, Brecon St and right into Man St.
How do I get to the race start?
Make your race morning transportation stress-free and use our easy shuttle service to get you from Queenstown direct to the start line of the Marathon, Half Marathon or 10km race. We have very limited parking available at all start areas so we strongly encourage athletes to utilize the shuttle bus service that will be operating as a continuous direct service from the Event Hub at Queenstown Recreation Ground on race day morning (Note - there are no pick up's on route to the start line, this is a direct shuttle from Queenstown).
Shuttle Costs:
Marathon - $15
Half Marathon - $15
10km - $10
The shuttle bus pick up locations at the Queenstown Recreation Ground can be viewed on the Event Hub Map and times can be found on the Event Schedule.
Where do I buy event Shuttle Bus tickets from?
You can purchase a shuttle ticket when you register online.
Shuttle costs:
Marathon - $15
Half Marathon - $15
10km Run - $10
What if I did not book my event shuttle bus as part of the race entry process?
You can log in to your My Events Portal at any time and add a shuttle ticket as an additional purchase.
Where can I leave my warm clothes for the finish?
There is a bag drop service available at the start area of each race. Only Event Race Bags can be used at Bag Drop (i.e. NOT A SPORTS BAG) and must be labelled with the bag tag given at Athlete Check-In. Please ensure your race bag is labelled before you drop it off at the designated bag drop area.
You will be able to wear warm clothing up to as close to the start time as practical. You just need to allow time to place your gear at the bag drop before the start gun goes off or you will be delayed heading off! Any gear left at the start line, or discarded and left at any point on the course will be collected and donated to Charity. You must NOT drop any gear at the aid stations or anywhere on the course for later retrieval.
Your Event race bags will be transported to the Event Hub at Queenstown Memorial Centre and will be available for you to collect when you complete your race. Please collect your bag by 4:30pm on Saturday 17 November before you leave the Event Hub. Any remaining gear will be held at the Queenstown Memorial Centre until 2:00pm on Sunday 18 November, and if not collected by this time it will be donated to charity.
Do I wear my race number on the back or front?
Please ensure your number is securely fastened to the front of your running top and is visible at all times.
What is the timing device for? And where do I wear it?
Your timing device will record your official race time and is attached to your race bib.
Timing mats will be located at each race start line and at the finish line. Marathon runners and walkers will receive a split time at 5kms in, 10kms in, 15kms in, the half way point (21.1km), 16kms to go, 10kms to go and at 5kms to go. Half marathon runners and walkers will receive a split time at 5kms in, 16kms to go and at 5kms to go. 10km runners and walkers will receive a split time at 5kms to go.
How do I know where to stand at the start line?
Race start areas will be self-seeded based on your expected finish time. Please look for the expected finish time signage marked on the fencing in the start area. There will be a roped off area at the front of the Marathon and Half Marathon start lines for athletes of elite standard.
Can I use an iPod/mp3 player while participating in my event?
Headphones and personal music devices are discouraged.
What if I have to drop out?
Please make your way to the next Aid Station and inform the race officials. If you are unable to continue due to a medical emergency, please ask your fellow competitors to inform the next visible race official or volunteer who will be able to inform medical services of your location.
What do I do with my timing device if I don't finish the race?
Your timing device is disposable so you do not need to return this.
Where do I return the timing device after the race?
The timing device is disposable therefore you do not need to return it.
Who receives finishers’ medals?
All finishers of the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10km Run will receive a finisher medal. All Kids’ Run entrants will receive a finisher memento.
What facilities will there be at the finish area?
Once you have crossed the finish line there will be water, POWERADE, medical facilities and a rest area available immediately should you require them.
The finish area will offer the full post-race experience; where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere, have a massage, refuel and enjoy celebrating your achievement with friends and family. You can make a day of it whilst cheering on other finishers, enjoying the entertainment, local food and beverage.
Will I be able to get a Post-Race Massage?
There will be a massage service available at the finish line provided by Proactive Physio. There will be an on-the-day booking system - $10 for 10mins and $20 for 20mins (20min massage bookings subject to demand and wait time). The Proactive Physio marquee will be located adjacent to the finish line.
Where do I go at the finish venue if I need help?
There will be an Info desk in the Queenstown Memorial Centre. Alternatively, please ask a member of the Event Team or one of the Volunteers.
Where and when is Prize Giving?
All prizes are awarded at the Prize giving which will take place at 3:30pm on Saturday 17 November at the Recreation Ground.
I am interested in exhibiting at the Air New Zealand Queenstown Marathon Sports Expo, who do I contact?
If you are interested in being an exhibitor in November 2017 please email nicole.fairweather@ironman.com or call on 09 601 9590.
I am interested in volunteering at the Air New Zealand Queenstown Marathon, how can I get involved?
If you are interested in volunteering for the event and would like to find out more please email clare.chapman@ironman.com
I am a local resident/business owner, how do I find out about road closures around the event?
Detailed information around times for road closures will be posted on this website in the near future. In the meantime please contact us on nicole.fairweather@ironman.com