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!

This was an excellent course to run. A unique race where you get to take a ferry (or bus) to the start line for the Half Marathon and Marathon distance events. The race starts quite early due to road closures so you take the ferry to the start line in the dark. It's amazing looking back onto the city lights. Everything was very well organised with plenty of amenities at the start line.

The race is a road race taking in impressive views as you run over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. There are a few undualations in the first 5-8km and then the run up and over the harbour bridge. You don't have to work too hard it's a gradual climb. It allows you to gain some speed/pace back as you come down the other side and back into the city. Running around the waterfront and through some of the developed areas enable spectators to get a good view and it's great having them there cheering everyone on.

The vibe in the city is buzzing the few days leading up to the race and race day the energy is pumping. Amazing event staff and volunteers. Spectators can easily find spaces to view the race along the event course and at the finish line. Great sense of community with many runners running for charities.

I loved the half marathon event and I can't wait to sign up to do the full marathon!