Saturday 21st February 2026
The best adventures happen when challenge meets opportunity. The Shotover Moonlight Marathon delivers both in spades—and choosing the right base camp can make all the difference between surviving the experience and truly thriving in it.
There’s something magical about standing at the Shotover River in the pre-dawn darkness of a February morning, surrounded by runners from around the globe, all about to embark on journeys that will redefine their understanding of what’s possible.
The Shotover Moonlight events aren’t just races; they’re invitations to discover your own version of the extraordinary.
Six Adventures, One Incredible Weekend
The Moonlight Ultra (56km): The Ultimate Test
This is the crown jewel, the race that separates dreamers from doers. With 3,500 meters of climbing and two unforgiving cutoffs, the Ultra demands respect, preparation, and a healthy dose of audacity. The Moonlight Ultra course closes at 8 PM sharp; no exceptions, no excuses.
What makes it special: You’ll traverse terrain that’s normally off-limits to the public, following century-old miners’ water races and shepherds’ tracks through some of the most spectacular high country in the Southern Hemisphere.
Pro tip: The qualifying requirements aren’t red tape—they’re your insurance policy. If you can meet them, you’re ready. If not, there’s no shame in building toward this goal over several seasons.
The Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon (42km): Technical Mastery
Don’t mistake this for a road marathon with scenery. The Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon 42km is a masterclass in mountain running, featuring 2,500 meters of elevation change, technical descents, and that infamous waterfall ladder climb that’ll have you questioning your life choices—in the best possible way.
What makes it special: Over 60% single track means you’re truly running through wilderness, not on groomed trails. The tunnel section—a knee-deep wade through a flooded mining passage—is unlike anything else in trail running.
Pro tip: Practice eating and drinking on technical terrain. The aid stations are strategic but sparse, and fumbling with nutrition while navigating scree slopes is a skill worth developing.
The Shotover Moonlight 30km Adventure Run: The Sweet Spot
This might be the perfect introduction to the Shotover experience. You get a spectacular start along the Shotover River, the historic gold mining relics, and that sense of running through untouched wilderness without the Ultra’s punishing distance.
What makes it special: At 1,400 meters of elevation gain, The Shotover Moonlight 30km Adventure Run is challenging enough to be meaningful but manageable enough to still enjoy the scenery. Many runners use this as a stepping stone to the longer distances.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the challenge. In February’s heat, even 30km can become an epic if you’re not prepared.
The Shotover Moonlight Half Marathon (21km): Your Gateway Adventure
Starting from Moke Lake, this course offers incredible views of the Moonlight Valley and serves up just enough challenge to give you a taste of what Shotover is all about. The multiple creek crossings and steady climbing to 260 meters make this far more interesting than your average half marathon.
What makes it special: The Shotover Moonlight Half Marathon is the perfect first mountain race—challenging enough to push your limits but not so overwhelming that you can’t enjoy the experience.
Pro tip: Use this as a basis for future years’ reconnaissance. Many runners return to tackle longer distances after getting hooked by this half marathon.
The Ben Lomond Vertical Kilometre (Friday): Pure Suffering, Pure Joy
Friday 20th February 2026
This Friday’s appetiser is the Ben Lomond Vertical Kilometre, a 3.9km of straight-up climbing to gain over 1,200 meters. It’s mountain running distilled to its essence; you versus gravity, with stunning views as your reward, as well as a special beer from Altitude brewing
What makes it special: The race format eliminates all variables except fitness and mental toughness. It’s surprisingly addictive.
Pro tip: Perfect for doubling up with a Saturday event. The legs recover faster than you’d expect from a pure uphill effort.
The Shotover Moonlight 10km Trail Run: Accessible Adventure
Don’t let the “short” distance fool you. In Shotover’s terrain, a 10km route can provide plenty of adventure for newcomers to trail running or those seeking a more relaxed weekend experience.
What makes it special: It’s the gateway drug to mountain running. The scenery and terrain will have you planning your return before you’ve even finished.
Why Your Choice of Base Camp Matters
Your accommodation can transform your race weekend from survival mode to genuine enjoyment. The Glebe Appartements sits in the sweet spot of Queenstown, close enough to everything you need but peaceful enough for proper rest and recovery.
Room to Spread Out and Recover
After spending hours navigating technical trails, you need more than a cramped hotel room. The Glebe’s apartment-style setup provides what trail runners actually need: full kitchens for preparing the food they want to eat, spacious living areas for organising gear, and laundry facilities for dealing with your race kit.
Picture this: cooking your favourite pre-race breakfast instead of settling for whatever the hotel serves. Preparing a proper recovery meal that actually sounds appealing after 42km of mountain terrain. Spreading out your gear to dry without worrying about housekeeping complaints.
Perfect Positioning
The Glebe occupies that ideal middle ground in Queenstown. You’re close enough to walk to the best coffee shops, gear stores, and restaurants but far enough from the party zone to actually get sleep before your 4 AM alarm.
Both Moke Lake (where all races finish) and the Skippers Canyon area (race start logistics) are just a short drive away.
This means grabbing forgotten essentials from Queenstown’s excellent outdoor shops is easy.
Race packet pickup doesn’t require battling tourist crowds. Coordinating with your crew or family happens in comfortable common areas rather than a hotel lobby.
For the Support Crew
Race weekend isn’t just about the runners. The friends, family, and partners who come along deserve their own adventure while you’re out on the trails. Queenstown delivers on this front, and The Glebe provides the perfect launching pad.
Supporters can enjoy scenic gondola rides, explore local walking tracks, browse shops, dine at fantastic restaurants, or discover family-friendly activities throughout the region.
When race day arrives, Moke Lake becomes the ultimate finish line venue—supporters can easily position themselves to cheer you through those final, emotional steps across the line.
Insider Tips for Race Success
Training Translation
One of the biggest mistakes runners make is training for the wrong race. Shotover isn’t about volume—it’s about specificity. Focus on technical terrain, elevation change, and time on feet rather than pure mileage.
Key sessions: Hill repeats, technical descents, back-to-back weekend runs, and practice carrying mandatory gear. If you can’t find mountains, use stairs and treadmill inclines creatively.
Gear Reality Check
Forget the latest carbon-plated racing shoes. Shotover’s loose rock, mud, and stream crossings demand grip and protection over speed. Runners in expensive racing flats often struggle on technical terrain while those in sturdy trail shoes maintain confidence and pace.
Essential gear: Reliable trail shoes with aggressive tread, mandatory safety equipment (check the race website), and a nutrition strategy that works on technical terrain. Practice everything in training.
Weather Wildcards
February in Queenstown can deliver anything from blazing heat to sudden cold snaps. Conditions can shift dramatically throughout race day, with some editions seeing runners start in light gear and finish requiring warmth.
Strategy: Layer systems, waterproof options, and spare clothes at the finish. The mandatory gear list isn’t bureaucracy—it’s lifesaving insurance.
Nutrition on the Move
Aid stations are strategic but sparse. This isn’t an ultra where you can graze through 30 feeding stations. Self-sufficiency determines not just finishing times but finishing at all.
Pro approach: Practice eating while navigating technical terrain. Develop a fueling strategy that doesn’t require perfect conditions. Keep emergency calories that work even when your stomach rebels.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Conservation Through Adventure
The Foster family’s decision to open Ben Lomond Station to runners created something remarkable—an economic incentive for conservation. Every registration fee supports the maintenance of this pristine high country, demonstrating that adventure sports can fund environmental protection.
The Human Element
Unlike corporate mega-races, Shotover maintains its family atmosphere. You’ll find John Foster at the start line, as nervous as any first-time participant because every runner’s safety weighs on him personally. This isn’t marketing—it’s genuine.
Setting Standards
Shotover’s safety protocols and course management have become benchmarks that other races study. The cutoff enforcement isn’t harsh—it’s professional. The mandatory gear requirements aren’t excessive—they’re responsible.
Making It Happen: Your 2026 Strategy
Book Early, Book Smart
February is peak summer in Queenstown. Accommodation disappears faster than energy gels at an aid station. The Glebe’s apartment-style accommodations offer the flexibility and space that runners need, without the premium pricing of resort hotels.
Booking strategy: Secure accommodation first, then work on race entries. The Glebe’s flexible booking options let you extend your stay for pre-race training or post-race recovery without the restrictions of package deals.
Plan Your Adventure
Some runners arrive early to acclimatise and train on local trails, such as Queenstown Hill or sections of the Ben Lomond Track. Others extend their stay for post-race exploration. The beauty of apartment-style accommodation is the flexibility to plan your adventure your way.
Training opportunities: Queenstown Hill for hill repeats, Ben Lomond Track for technical practice, and local trail networks for confidence building. The Glebe’s central location makes all of these accessible.
The Finish Line Truth
The Shotover Moonlight Marathon weekend consistently delivers transformative experiences—not because it’s the hardest or longest, but because it strips away pretence and reveals what you’re actually made of.
At Moke Lake, runners cross the finish line with a mix of emotions—some crying, others laughing, most doing both. They haven’t just completed a race; they’ve discovered a new version of themselves.
The question isn’t whether you’re ready for Shotover. The question is whether you’re ready to find out what you’re capable of when everything comfortable gets stripped away.
Choose your distance. Choose your adventure. Choose your accommodation wisely.
The mountain is waiting.
Race Information:
- Dates: February 20-21, 2026
- Tickets on sale: 1st July 2025
- Location: Ben Lomond Station, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Registration: shotovermoonlight.co.nz
- Entries: From $120 (earlybird pricing)
Accommodation:
- The Glebe Apartments: stay@theglebe.co.nz | +64 3 442 0013 | theglebe.co.nz
- Apartment-style accommodation in central Queenstown
- Perfect base for race logistics and recovery
Book early—both race entries and smart accommodation disappear faster than daylight in the Southern Alps.
Photos via of Shotover Moonlight Marathon – shotovermoonlight.co.nz
