Subaru is new partner for Queenstown Marathon

May 18, 2022

A new partnership with the New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon will see lifestyle automotive brand Subaru become the Official Vehicle Supplier at one of the world’s most beautiful courses.

As thousands of entrants flock to the stunning Southern Lakes town on Saturday 19th November to compete in the Sotheby’s Realty Marathon, La Roche Posay Half Marathon, Havana Coffee 10km and Queenstown Airport Kids Run, they will be led out by a Subaru, with another Subaru serving as the tail car.

Subaru will be the official vehicle partner for the marathon

Set between the dramatic backdrop of the globally renowned Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges and taking in the Queenstown Lakes region’s absolute highlights on mostly hard packed cycle trails, this is truly a flat-out, picturesque course.

Subaru of New Zealand’s National Marketing Manager Daile Stephens is thrilled the brand will be supporting the New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon.

“New Zealand’s automotive journalists and our Authorised Subaru Centres’ dealers are familiar with Subaru of New Zealand’s affinity with the Central Otago region, which we have adopted as our ‘southern office’.

“Most of our new product launches are based out of Queenstown where we can showcase our All-Wheel Drive vehicles against one of New Zealand’s most scenic backdrops and head out on incredible, off-road drive experiences around the area. Additionally, our highest market share of Subaru drivers live in the Otago region, so when we were approached by the Queenstown Marathon to be the Official Vehicle Supplier, the decision was a no-brainer,” Mrs Stephens says.

John O’Malley, NZ Partnerships Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of the Queenstown Marathon, welcomed Subaru as a partner.

“We are excited to have Subaru on board as the Official Vehicle Supplier for the Queenstown Marathon. Both organisations champion active and healthy lifestyles, plus the benefits of the outdoors and adventure, and there’s no better place than Queenstown to embrace those interests,” he says.

“The Queenstown Marathon offers athletes the chance to run, walk or jog one of the most scenic courses in the world. The event is treasured fondly by both the running and local communities and we’re looking forward to working with Subaru as we welcome thousands of athletes back to the region this November,” Mr O’Malley says.

Mrs Stephens reinforces the relevance of the event to Subaru customers: “We know that well over half of our customer base like to keep active through walking, running, or hiking, therefore the Queenstown Marathon ticks the box for many of our Subaru owners with a 10km scenic walk or run, half marathon or full marathon distance and there’s even a 2.2km kids run, which is a bonus for families attending! The event itself and the Subaru brand are a perfect fit, not to mention the appeal to our customers,” she says.

This year’s Queenstown Marathon is set to be a most sought-after event, as the 2021 event was forced into postponement then cancellation due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many entrants have held on to their entries, which means there are only a limited number of spots available before it is sold out and the event is currently at over 90% capacity.

Mrs Stephens concludes: “The Queenstown Marathon is a bucket list activity for many Kiwis. If you’d like to experience a “flat out beautiful” event (the tagline of the marathon), you’ll need to get in quick. Held on one of the world’s most scenic courses, it’s one not to be missed. The Subaru team will be waiting at the finish line to congratulate participants, who can chill out in the shade under our Subaru tent while checking out our latest vehicle line up.”

To enter the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon incorporating 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 2.2km kids run options visit the event website.

 

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