A point-to-point mixed-surface half ending at Queenstown Recreation Ground. The published start table and course description use different location wording, so your final shuttle and participant instructions matter.
01 Know what you are taking on
What is the race like?
Official maps & course details
- Start
- The table lists Coronet Fields/Queenstown Polo, 679 Malaghans Road; course prose and map list Hunter Road.
- Finish
- Queenstown Recreation Ground.
- Official course map
- A dedicated distance-specific 2026 course PDF is published.
02 Choose your approach
Find your race strategy.
Choose your goal. These are our pacing suggestions, based on the published course, rather than organiser instructions.
My first finish
Use your assigned shuttle and confirmed assembly location.
Start comfortably and let the surface dictate your line.
Keep enough for the later Frankton Arm and town approach.
A PB or time goal
Set a target that reflects the mixed-surface route.
Avoid recovering every slower path split with a hard burst.
Build the final effort only on the remaining course you can sustain.
If the weather or your pace changes
If it is warmer, windier or wetter than your training, adjust your target before the start. Let the conditions guide your effort, clothing and preparation. Use the organiser’s weather and safety advice, and stop for concerning symptoms.
03 Know what is on the course
Drinks, fuel & toilets.
Station positions and products are not yet confirmed in the available information for this edition. Use the organiser’s final runner guide before deciding what you can collect on the course.
Toilet locations: a confirmed location list is not available here. Check the official course or runner map before race day; a drinks table does not automatically mean there is a toilet beside it.
Turn the station list into your plan
Mark the stops you expect to use and the fuel you will carry. If you use a gel that needs water, pair it with a published water point. Practise the products and cup or bottle format before race day; you do not have to try every item offered.
04 Before the start
Your race morning.
Times are local to the event. Work back from your own wave, allowing for the walk, toilets and bag drop.
Race number
Packet collection
Expo: Queenstown Events Centre, 12 November 12:00–19:00 and 13 November 10:00–20:00.
Proxy pickup
FAQ permits proxy pickup with photo-ID copy and confirmation; packs cannot be posted.
The start
Start
08:00; the distance page says start times are based on 2025 and subject to change.
ProvisionalStart shuttles
Book through the participant dashboard; a specific time is assigned. Online shuttle sales close 11 November 23:59, subject to availability.
Finish window
Entry closing time
Online entries close 13 November 17:00 NZT; late check-in entries depend on availability.
Course closure
The course closes at 16:30 on 14 November.
Race number & collection
- Check-in hours in the FAQ
- The FAQ lists 12 November 13:00–19:00 and 13 November 10:00–20:00 at Queenstown Events Centre.
Pacers & course cut-offs
- Aid
- Five half-marathon aid stations are listed.
Bags, kit storage & collection
- Bags
- Official tagged gear bags can be checked before boarding or at the start; collect by 16:30 at the event hub.
Kit rules & accessibility
- Course equipment
- Wheeled conveyances and animals are excluded; headphones/music devices are discouraged.
Your allocated wave, event emails and final runner instructions take priority. Read the guide for your distance before travelling.
05 Make the day work together
Supporters & getting around.
Plan your support
Choose a Queenstown finish base or a checked Frankton Arm point. Do not attempt a quick drive from the start to several path-side sightings without an official access plan.
The places below are viewing ideas from the linked route or spectator guide. Use your edition’s access map for barriers, permitted crossings and any crew restrictions.
Frankton Arm course section
An idea from the published waterside route; check the current contingency map, footpath width and spectator restrictions first.
Queenstown Recreation Ground surroundings
A common finish-area base. Allow time for road closures and arrange your reunion outside the runner flow.
2026
Official spectator or route informationMake the cheer easy to find
Agree a named point, the side of the road and your likely arrival window. Share your bib number for official tracking. Pick a separate reunion beyond the finish exit and a backup if the phone signal is poor.
Getting there and getting home
- Start shuttles
- Book through the participant dashboard; a specific time is assigned. Online shuttle sales close 11 November 23:59, subject to availability.
- Shuttle price
- NZD20 for this distance.
06 Before you book
Entry, fees & time limits.
2026 prices are published; live distance availability is unconfirmed.
- General entry fee
- NZD219 including processing fees and GST.
- Entry closing time
- Online entries close 13 November 17:00 NZT; late check-in entries depend on availability.
Transfers, refunds & deferrals
- Person transfers
- Formal same-distance transfers close 13 November 17:00 NZT; the withdrawing runner pays NZD27.
- Deferral
- The organiser describes no deferral system is available.
Can you finish inside the time limit?
- Entry closing time
- Online entries close 13 November 17:00 NZT; late check-in entries depend on availability.
- Course closure
- The course closes at 16:30 on 14 November.
Stay in the loop
Email me event updates.
Spend more time training and less time checking. Get the key updates for your race, straight to your inbox.
07 Make your training relevant
Practise for this course.
One thing to rehearse
Practise steady running on similar safe paths and check your exact shuttle and start instructions.
08 Put your plan together
Useful before race day.
Plan your pre-run fuel
Explore meals and snacks around the time you have before running.
Explore the fuel plannerMake race fuel feel familiar
Understand how to practise taking carbohydrate during longer runs.
Read the guideUnderstand your everyday fuel
Learn how carbohydrate supports your running and recovery.
Read the guideA plan that fits your life.
Running, strength or both, with feedback and adjustments as your training develops.
Official race information
Use the organiser’s information for current entry terms, the published route and your final runner instructions. Course resources show their edition where it is known. Pacing and training suggestions are The Runner’s Journal’s guidance and should fit your experience, health and conditions.