Still time to train for marathon's 10th birthday

Event organisers are counting down to the Queenstown marathon, which this year turns 10.

Dubbed "the world's most beautiful marathon" by its backers, the event this year takes place on Saturday, November 16.

Although spots to compete are still available, there has already been a record numbers of entries in the marathon category, once again making it the largest marathon field in the country.

Thousands of runners and walkers will converge on the town, to tackle one of four distances - a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10-kilometre or a kids run.

Amy MacCormack, the event's regional manager, is encouraging runners of all abilities to get involved and experience the beauty of the region and event.

“This year we celebrate 10 years of the world’s most beautiful marathon and it’s been incredible to see the response from athletes to this year’s event, with record numbers registered in the marathon distance and already thousands more across the four distances.

"We’re also delighted to welcome back 40 Founding Runners who have taken part in every edition of the Queenstown Marathon since its inaugural year in 2014."

Ms MacCormack describes the route as including "stunning trails" with a "beautiful backdrop".

The longest course begins at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown on sealed roads and by its end in the Queenstown CBD has popped on and off a number of lake and riverside trails. 

“The draw of the Queenstown Lakes District remains as strong as ever," Ms MacCormack says.

She says there is still enough time for people to sign up and start training.

Main image (Supplied/Harry Talbot): Runners at a previous Queenstown Marathon event.