A record 9500 runners are taking part in the third edition of the race, with 90% coming from outside the district.
Race director Nicole Fairweather said yesterday’s registration process and the set-up of the finish line at the Recreation Ground in Queenstown had gone smoothly.
A "buzz" had been growing in the resort all week, Ms Fairweather said.
After forecasts earlier in the week suggested it would rain today, fine, cool weather is expected to prevail until the arrival of showers in the late afternoon.
Nearly 2000 will begin the full marathon at Arrowtown’s Millbrook Resort at 8.45am, while more than 5000 will start the half-marathon on Speargrass Flat Rd 45 minutes earlier.
Another 2000 will start the 10km run in Frankton at 7.45am.
Among the 1600 runners from overseas taking part are British man Joe Spraggins, who will run the full marathon, and his partner Katie Lysons, who will tackle the half distance.
The London couple put the event at the top of their list when they began planning their New Zealand holiday two years ago.
Mr Spraggins said they couldn’t wait.
"We’ve heard so much about it — apparently the course is really beautiful."
