RUNNING

Christchurch's Marathon Looking for Record Entry

By MDJ Media & Events Ltd

The Christchurch Airport Marathon may be looking at record entries following their announcement last month that the annual Queens Birthday Weekend event will return to the central city.

Chris Cox has been the race director for the annual Christchurch Airport Marathon since 1994 and even he’s surprised by the support surrounding the event’s shift back to the inner city.

Scheduled for Sunday 31 May, the 2015 race has attracted almost 1000 entries already. “I don’t think we’ve ever had so many entries this early,” says Cox. “Not even in our biggest years before the earthquakes.”

Like all of Christchurch, the annual Queen’s Birthday Weekend event has been reeling since the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The event that was inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games was forced away from the historic course that once produced the second fastest marathon of all time. But after four years on semi-rural routes and reduced numbers of entrants, the organisers decided that this year’s 35th anniversary was reason to push for a return to the heart of the city.

Since 1994 the Christchurch Marathon had grown every year to a high of 5800 participants in 2010. The earthquakes saw entries drop away to around 4000, but right now entries for 2015 are almost 100 percent ahead of the same time last year. 

“It’s early days yet,” says Cox,” but it’s very encouraging.”

Cox says the support this year is a mark of the event’s stature and the support for Christchurch in general. Among the earliest supporters have been some of the best runners in both New Zealand and Australia.

Five time winner Liza Hunter-Galvan is expected to defend her title in the full marathon. Former national champion Katie Kemp (Wgtn) will push her hard, but they’ll both have to watch for South African Noelene Conrad who, with a best of 2hrs 38min, has the fastest recent time of women entered thus far

Among men, the early favourite is Hobart Marathon champion Brian Lyons, but Cox hopes to see two-time champion Sam Wreford (Timaru) return to take a crack at the race record set by Christchurch’s Tom Birnie back in 1984 (2hrs 15min 12secs).

First and foremost, however, the Christchurch Airport Marathon is a community event. Along with the classic 42.2k marathon, this festival of fitness includes a half marathon run and walk, a 10k run and walk and the Kids’ Mara’Fun for children under age 15.

“We have always felt the event should reflect the community,” says Cox, “so that means providing something for people of all age and ability.”

Continuing with the community theme, this year’s Christchurch Airport Marathon will benefit Ronald McDonald House South Island. Participants are encouraged to sign up and run to raise funds for the family support charity.

Entries for the 2015 Christchurch Airport Marathon Event are still open. Race day in Sunday 31 May. For details visit: www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz.