Christchurch Rising to Its Marathon
Race day is still three months away and the 2024 Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon already has half it’s expected field signed up.
In 2023 the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon entered a new era with a new sponsor, a new venue, a new course and almost 4000 participants. But in 2024 entries for the April 21st race day are more than 25 percent ahead and well on its way to their goal of 5000 starters.
“It really is very heartening,” says race director Chris Cox. “First and foremost, we have always organized this event for the community. So to have the community return that support is always gratifying.”
Established in the late-1970s, the Christchurch Marathon was inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games, which this year celebrated a 50 th anniversary celebration. Those Games produced the second fastest marathon ever run by English winner Ian Thompson (2hrs 09min 12secs) and a New Zealand record by silver medalist Jack Foster (2hrs 11min 18secs). For more than 30 years the Christchurch Marathon ran on the same course, but in 2023 it shifted its focus to a multi-lap format based around the CBD that re-invigorated the event in its fourth decade.
Based now within Hagley Park, the event revolves around a 10k lap in the CBD that highlights iconic landmarks such as Canterbury Museum, Cambridge Terrace, Oxford Terrace, the Avon River, Bridge of Remembrance, and the new Te Pae.
It’s always been a great event,” says Cox, who has been organising the event since 1995 and finished third in 1992. “But last years big changes really re-invigorated the atmosphere.” “The new course is superbly scenic but above all it was more inclusive, providing participants and spectators alike with a fresh new experience. There were thousands of people lining the streets watching their family and friends and the Hagley Park finish line had a wonderful party- in-the-park vibe.”
Cox and his crew are looking to give back to that community support and in 2024 the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon will benefit the city’s own Rānui House. Based opposite Christchurch Hospital, Ranui House provides accommodation for families from away who have loved ones in hospital care. Participants in the 2024 Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon are encouraged to make their run mean more by signing up to fundraise for Rānui House, and have already raised more than $8000.
“For the last 30 years we’ve been providing compassion and care, as well as a home-away-from-home, for those who find themselves needing life-changing medical treatment in Christchurch. Facing a challenge head-on is what our families do every day, and to have our people and place supported by the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon is humbling. If you are taking the challenge of the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon, we encourage you to Run for Rānui by signing up to our Rānui House team. No matter the distance you’re running, or walking, we’ll be your biggest cheerleaders come 21 April!” says Mandy Kennedy – CEO Bone Marrow Cancer Trust.
Scheduled for Sunday 21st April, options include the classic 42.2k marathon, a half marathon, a quarter marathon, and the Kids’ Mara’Fun. Entries are open via our website.