Today, more than 12,000 athletes will run through what’s believed to be the world’s first "marathon open home" in Queenstown, on Frankton Beach.
Developed by Queenstown Marathon naming sponsor New Zealand Sothebys International Realty (NZSIR), the "open home" has been constructed in a massive marquee over the marathon course. It is staged with furniture, homewares and will feature three "live human installations".
NZSIR managing director Mark Harris said the idea was to provide a new experience for runners and walkers about 8 kilometres out from the finish-line.
"The intention is for it to be a bit of fun for the athletes and maybe even a distraction, particularly for the full marathon runners as they get closer to the finish-line," he said.
The marathon, being held for the first time since 2020, will feature international participants for the first time since 2019 — they comprise 14% of entries — with the half marathon and 10km run sold out.
Mr Harris said more than $10 million would be injected into Queenstown’s economy this weekend, making it the second-busiest weekend of the year, after New Year’s Eve.
"All the athletes and supporters have arrived and it’s great to see Queenstown buzzing again.
"It’s also exciting for us as a local company to be part of an internationally renowned, well-co-ordinated event."
The first 10km finisher is expected at the Queenstown Recreation ground just after 8.15am today, and the first half marathon finisher is expected about an hour later. The first full marathon runner is expected about 10.45am.
