And even if runners do get a place they might have to pay top prices for flights and accommodation.
Chief organiser Dave Beeche, of Lagardere Unlimited Oceania, confirmed yesterday the 10km race was sold out and the marathon proper and half-marathon were not far behind.
''We've had a bit of a surge in the marathon and it's probably going to go next - possibly by the end of the week.''
Almost 9000 people will lace up their shoes for the November 21 event, compared with last year's 6000-strong field.
More than 1200 entrants this year are from overseas, from 27 countries. There are more than 500 Australians and there has been a huge increase from China, with the number hitting triple figures.
Just over 1500 runners are from Auckland. Celebrities signed up include chef Josh Emett, radio host Kerre McIvor and TV newsreader Mike McRoberts.
''It's pleasantly surprising how much growth we've had,'' Mr Beeche said.
''We've never quite known what the capacity constraints are going to be for this event.
''Whether it's going to be accommodation, flights, the trails, the finish hub, the start hub, whatever it might be.''
Sponsor Air New Zealand - which is expected to have more than 200 staff competing - is putting on an extra 18 flights to Queenstown from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Sydney in the three days leading up to the event.
That is an extra 2300 seats.
On November 20, the day before the event, there will be eight Auckland-Queenstown flights, but yesterday the cheapest one-way ticket left was $299.
Hotels are also filling up.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront and Rydges Lakeland are not taking any more bookings for November 20 and 21. The cheapest standard double room at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside for those dates was $279.
