SHOTOVER MOONLIGHT MOUNTAIN MARATHON

The Shotover Moonlight Marathon follows abandoned 1880's gold mining water races, sheep tracks on razorback ridges, climbs past stunning waterfalls on ladders and passes through an abandoned gold mining tunnel. This is arguably New Zealand's most spectacular Mountain Marathon.

Exceptionally challenging, with over 2500m of climbing and descending on demanding single track running it really is a must do for any mountain runner.

Whether you want to challenge the course record, challenge your personal records or simply spend the day running through a normally private high country station with your friends, the Shotover Moonlight Marathon is for you.

EVENT DATE:

20 FEBRUARY 2027 - 15TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

ENTRY FEES: TBA

The course starts on the beach below the Pipeline Bridge in Skippers Canyon and traverses abandoned gold mining water races, sheep tracks, razorback ridges, beautiful beech forest, river valleys until the finish at Moke Lake, near Queenstown.

The race covers a variety of terrain, with over 60% single track type terrain where good footwork and balance is essential.

TRAIL SURFACES:

Water race (single track) 13 km 30%

Ridgeline and other single track 13 km 30%

Riverbed, river valley 8 km 20%

Farm 4WD track 8 km 20 %

*The tunnel, ladder and scree run are all included in the above!

ELEVATION:

Over 2500m of climbing and descending. 

ESTIMATED TIMES

Elite – 4.5hrs to 5.5hrs

Competitive Runners – 5.5 to 7hrs

Casual Runners - 7 hrs to 9hrs

Race Record

Men's 4.19.27 Scotty Hawker, New Zealand (2020)

Women's 4.57.31 Lucy Bartholomew, Australia (2018)

CUT OFF TIMES:

The course traverses a wide variety of terrain from ridges to rivers and as such conditions may dictate changes to the course to suit conditions. Cut off times apply to the course for your own safety and that of the volunteers, marshals and staff. Please respect the decisions made by race officials with regards to cut of times.

Short Course Cut off – 2.00pm

If you arrive at the cut off just after 2pm (located at 24.5km, or 2.5km after Moonlight Lodge) you will be directed along a shorter course to the finish. The shorter course will reduce the total distance by 6km and remove 500m of climbing and descending. You will still run approx. 37km however the by-passes one of the more difficult, challenging sections of the marathon course.

Overall Cutoff – 12 hours (8pm)

Competitors still on the course at 8pm will be picked up by 4WD vehicle and transported to the finish line at Moke Lake.

MARATHON COURSE MAP and Information (View)

Please note the Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon course is on private property and no access is permitted outside of race day.