WELLINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Queenstown Lakes District is set for a boom weekend as the New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon brings thousands of participants and many more supporters, family and friends to the region for this Saturday's seventh hosting of the event.

Despite international border closures, this year's Queenstown Marathon is still on target to attract 10,000 people to the start line, the organizer said on Monday.

With late registrations still open until Friday, Race Director Nicole Fairweather is delighted that the event will see 10,000 participants across the four race distances on offer.

There are four races in this year's Queenstown Marathon including full marathon, half marathon, the 10km, and 3km Kids Run.

"In what has been a tremendously challenging year for the region and in particular the event, hospitality, accommodation, and tourism industries I am thrilled that we will host 10,000 New Zealanders this weekend, with the local economy set to benefit from that influx of visitors," said Fairweather.

There was a record number of runners at the 2019 Queenstown Marathon, with 12,667 participants, making the race one of the largest sporting events in New Zealand. It is understood that over a quarter of the runners were international participants, with Australia leading the way with close to 1,700 making the trip across the Tasman. The United States ranks third closely followed by China and the UK, highlighting just how far and wide the spread of international visitors for the event, with 44 countries in total represented on the various start lines.

However, due to the COVID-19 border restrictions, this year's event saw the participants being majorly domestic runners. But the decrease in the number of international runners had been replaced by domestic demand.

"The strong numbers are a testament to the popularity of the race, its world class reputation as being one of the most scenic marathons on the planet but also the attraction of the wider region and all it has to offer visitors, many of whom make it an annual weekend away with friends or family," said Fairweather.

The event, which organizers billed as one of the country's "largest marathon event" and "World's Most Beautiful Marathon", attracted thousands of spectators every year.

Queenstown, one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations, is nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges.

Set between the backdrop of the world renowned Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges, and taking in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region on hard packed cycle trails, this is a flat out beautiful course.

Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Jim Boult can't wait to welcome visitors new and old back to the region this week.

"I'm delighted to welcome the return of the New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon. It's truly heartening to see people returning to our district to take part in one of the country's most popular marathons."

"As I have said before, I urge everyone visiting to work together and continue to follow the government's COVID-19 health guidelines for Alert Level 1. Your cooperation will mean we can host terrific events like this one long into the future," said the Mayor.

COVID-19 alert and strict lockdown made it difficult on whether the event would go ahead this year. Fortunately, New Zealand relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions by moving from level 2 to Alert Level 1 on Sept. 21, thanks to early success in controlling COVID-19. At Alert Level 1, everyone can return to work, school, sports and domestic travel, without restrictions. However, border restrictions and good hygiene are required. Enditem

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