Trailblazing Success: 3 reasons the Lake Dunstan Marathon could become a new tradition

On the first day of spring, the Lake Dunstan Trail came alive with the excitement of the very first Lake Dunstan Marathon. The event exceeded all expectations and left everyone eager for more. Positive feedback poured in from all corners: runners, locals, businesses and community groups - leading to calls for the event to become an annual tradition.

After reviewing the 2024 marathon, three key ingredients were identified as essential to the event’s success.

No. 1: Do good with good

This ingredient is about as simple as it gets. The Lake Dunstan Trail, now one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Great Rides, was built to exacting standards and continues to be meticulously maintained by the Southern Lakes Trails Trust. This high use, high quality asset has had a positive ripple effect on trail users, local businesses, and the wider community.

The inaugural Lake Dunstan Marathon took advantage of this already successful environment. The event was not just a race - it was a testament to how this asset, built in our wonderful natural environment, could support a large-scale event, enrich the community and expand the trail's reach.

No. 2: Try new things, and learn

In life, there are no secrets to success. Success is the result of thorough preparation, hard work, and learning from experiences.

Bringing the marathon to life required extensive planning and collaboration by the Southern Lakes Trails Trust, Chief Executive Janeen Wood, and race director Terry Davies. Timing, weather, logistics, safety, and community involvement were all crucial considerations.

Thanks to their in-depth preparation and hard work, the event was a resounding success. Nearly 160 runners, along with their supporters, friends and family, flocked to the area, enjoying both the race and the warm hospitality of Central Otago. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with widespread calls for the marathon to become an annual event.

Besides, we now have the first official course record ready to be challenged, set by Cromwell runner Ben Twyman in a time of 2 hours, 56 minutes and 22 seconds.

Both Janeen and Terry sought feedback throughout the process. Janeen said it was fantastic to hear everyone commenting on how stunning the trail was.

“I felt very proud of what our community has achieved and seeing the hospitality that the local businesses, community and volunteer groups were extending to these athletes.”

The consensus is clear: the event was a triumph, and there’s room to make it even better.

No. 3: Make it unique

Runners from as far as Northern Ireland and Japan participated in this race, and for good reason. The Lake Dunstan Marathon offers an unmatched experience, blending rugged natural beauty with feats of modern engineering. Runners crossed the Clyde Dam, ran gravel trails perched atop towering mountains, traversed cantilevered platforms that along sheer rock faces, ran over a 85.5m-long suspension bridge and through a working vineyard – all the time surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Central Otago.

Supporters, too, were treated to a unique experience, cheering runners on from historic Clyde, from the comforts of Carrick Winery, and from various points along the gorge that links Clyde with Cromwell. Many even watched from boats on Lake Dunstan, while the festive finish in Old Cromwell welcomed everyone with local hospitality and an atmosphere of celebration.

With its blend of natural beauty, engineering marvels and rich history, the Lake Dunstan Marathon has established itself as a one-of-a-kind event. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm still pouring in mean this could just be the beginning of an exciting annual tradition.