The race is run in Queenstown and starts out in a small village Arrowtown. You run along the Arrow River and down towards Lake Hayes. There are a few climbs around Lake Hayes on packed trail. There are sometimes narrow spots to pass other runners around the lake but it soon opens up and you meet the road.

You run along the road where you meet the start line for the half marathon course. It then turns into off road trail again. The off-road trail is well maintained. Normal road running shoes are fine for this course.
The best part of the run is when you meet up with Lake Wakatipu - the lake that Queenstown is famous for. The mountains in the background and parklike settings are amazing to look at.

There were plenty of aid stations along the way however I did run with my hydration bladder.

My next favourite part of the course is when you come into Queenstown itself. There are hundreds of spectators lined up along the waterfront and through the streets towards the finish line. The finish line atmostphere is a-buzz with so many people.

I cannot highly recommend this course enough! If you ever get the opportunity to run in this event, do it!

I am going back in 2017 to run the marathon again.

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