This was me second year running the Queenstown Marathon and my third Queenstown Marathon event (I ran the half marathon in 2015).

The event is amazing from the scenery, volunteers, management and event vibe. It is by far one of the most scenic Marathons in New Zealand.

This year I ran a PB! I shaved 20 minutes off my marathon PB, which was also my first marathon time from the same event last year.

The aid stations this year were great. They supply water, powerade and power bars. I only used the water at the aid stations as I take my own electrolyte hydration drink with me. I was able to have 2 bottles of my drink put at 2 of the aid stations to pick up along the way.

To get to the start line you can purchase a bus pass. Get to the buses early otherwise you risk getting to the start line late and might run out of time for a last minute toilet stop and bag drop. I've never had an issue with this.

The marathon course takes in stunning scenery of the Queenstown area. The race starts out at Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown, through the quaint main street of Arrowtown (Historical Goldmining town). You then run around Lake Hayes (there are some undulations but nothing too steep) through the countryside before you run over the Shortover River Bridge along the river and around the edge of Lake Wakatipu. You finish running along the Queenstown Waterfront and town streets with an amazing and supportive crowd cheering you on before heading up one last rise and down the Queenstown marathon runway to the finish line.

The finish line is abuzz with spectators, runners (there is a 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon events) and there are amazing food stalls, beverage outlets for that nice cold beer/wine/cider the toast your success.

This year I also took up the post race massage. $10 NZD for 10 minutes. Last year when I ran this race I struggled to walk later that night. Having the massage really helped and the next day I felt great - I even went for a bike ride!