Christchurch Marathon Back to Stay

It’s official. The new-look Christchurch Airport Marathon is under starter’s orders for Sunday June 3, back in Christchurch and on a new course.

In 2011 the Christchurch Marathon suffered the same earthquake effects as much of Christchurch. For 30 years it had been the South Island’s premier marathon event, but on February 22 the traditional venue and route came to an end. The Town Hall start/finish venue – red stickered. The Avon River route – ruined.

But like the city itself, the marathon organisers rallied around and pulled together an alternative event at Lincoln University. More than 3000 people lined up, down on 2010’s record 5800 starters, but an incredible display of the region’s determination to get back on its feet.

Race Director Chris Cox, who’s been at the helm of the annual Queens Birthday Weekend event for 17 years, says “The Christchurch Marathon event means too much to too many people to just disappear.”

“In 2011 we managed to run the event with short notice and at Lincoln, which was great. Since then we’ve been working with our new principal sponsor, Christchurch Airport, to get the event back to Christchurch where it belongs.”

This year’s new-look and newly-named Christchurch Airport Marathon will be based at Christchurch Airport.

“It’s a nice course,” says Cox. “It’s safe, scenic, very flat and fast, all of which have always been the hallmarks of the Christchurch Marathon. But most importantly, it’s back in Christchurch.

“Spectators haven’t been forgotten, with lots of places you can cycle or drive to and see the runners and walker pass.”

Cox says the Airport venue will be great for visiting participants. “How many events do you know where visitors can fly to the start line? Even if you’re driving there, the Airport is the easiest place in Christchurch to get to. And it has excellent accommodations options within five minutes’ walk of the event village we’ll set up on Orchard Road at the Airport.”

The format for race day remains exactly the same, featuring the classic 42.2k marathon distance, the 21.1k half marathon, as well as the 10k and the Kids’ Mara’Fun. With the biggest prize pool of any running race in New Zealand, the annual Queen’s Birthday Weekend event is poised to retain its reputation as the most prestigious date on the calendar for New Zealand’s elite runners.

Cox, however, is quick to point out the Christchurch Airport Marathon is first and foremost a people’s event.

“We've always felt the success of the Christchurch Marathon was a reflection of the community at large,” says Cox. “Last year the event was impacted in much the same way as everyone else in the region, but now just like everyone else in the region the Christchurch Airport Marathon is determined to rebuild, bigger and better than ever.”

CEO of Christchurch Airport, Jim Boult, says he’s delighted the company is sponsoring another event which brings visitors to Christchurch and locals out to enjoy it.

“Christchurch International Airport welcomes almost six million passengers a year and is the South Island’s major domestic hub,” he says. “It is the gateway to the most beautiful parts of New Zealand and actively involved in expanding tourism opportunities for the city as it rebuilds.

“We hope runners and walkers who usually register for this marathon but didn’t compete last year will take the opportunity of the new course to get their sports shoes on this year. I am already training and look forward to seeing thousands of other competitors at the start line.”

Entries for the 2012 Christchurch Airport Marathon are now open. Visit www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz.