The Wonders Of New Zealand

With around 10,000 runners annually, the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon is an epic of cosy proportions.

- Isabel Yeo

I'm here for the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon!” This is a familiar conversation starter as I traversed around New Zealand exploring the South last November. According to Bruce Parton, COO of Air New Zealand, 2017 was the fourth year Air New Zealand has sponsored the marathon in Queenstown. With more than 9,800 people taking part, it certainly set a new record.

Held on Saturday, 18 November 2017, the festival includes 42km, 21km, 10km and 2.2km kids run options, set between the backdrop of the spectacular Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges, with race routes that overlook the Queenstown Lakes region including Millbrook resort, Arrowtown, Lakes Hayes, Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, and Queenstown Gardens. True to Parton’s word, “after a while, you forget about all the pains and aches, and take in the stunning scenery”.

While I’ve competed in various half marathon races in Singapore, this was my first overseas race.

FRIDAY, 17 NOV 2017

10:00am Race pack collection

Held in a community hall, the race pack collection was incredibly quick as the organisers mail out the race packs to local participants. Only the international participants had to come down physically to pick them up.

In it were some energy bars and my race tag. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my race tag had my country flag on it – that is how much they embrace the international scene and diversity! It was nice having a familiar identity on a foreign land.

Merchandise like shoes, clothes and sporting accessories were also available on sale at the Sports Expo.