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Race guide · Queenstown, New Zealand
How to train for Shotover Moonlight
A mountain marathon and ultra on Ben Lomond Station above Queenstown: ridgelines, old gold-mining water races, a scree run and a ladder beside a waterfall. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Sat 20 Feb, 2027
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra | 56 km | 3,500+ m | 13.5 h |
| Marathon | 43 km | 2,500+ m | 12 h |
The Ultra starts at 6:30 and finishes at Moke Lake. The Marathon starts at Pipeline Bridge in Skippers Canyon and finishes at Moke Lake.
What makes it hard
Rough high-country ground
Sheep tracks, tussock, old water races, riverbeds, a scree descent, a ladder climb and a tunnel.
Train for it: Long runs on rough, uneven ground, and practise steep, loose descents.
Exposed ridgelines
The Ultra spends about 16 km on ridgelines, where the weather can turn quickly.
Train for it: Long efforts over exposed hills, carrying the layers you'll race with.
Cutoffs along the way
Miss the Ultra's cutoffs at 19 km (10:00) or 32 km (13:30) and you're sent on a shorter course.
Train for it: Know your splits, and practise holding a steady effort over the first 30 km.
How long to train
Plan on 16–20 weeks for the Ultra and 12–16 for the Mountain Marathon if you're already running 4–5 days a week. Get on rough, steep ground every week.
Get a plan built around race day
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How hard is the Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon?
It's about 43 km with over 2,500 m of climbing on rough high-country tracks, ridgelines and riverbeds. The organiser estimates 5.5–9 hours for most runners.
When is Shotover Moonlight 2027?
Saturday 20 February 2027, on Ben Lomond Station near Queenstown, according to the organiser. Always confirm on the official race site.
Race facts checked October 2, 2026 against shotovermoonlight.co.nz. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.