Things to do  |  7 Apr 2021

The streets of Christchurch will be filled with runners and walkers this weekend as the ASB Christchurch Marathon celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Previously, the ASB Christchurch Marathon has been held at the start of winter but the organisers have decided to bring the event forward to April when the weather will be milder.

More than 4000  runners and walkers have signed up for Sunday’s event, which includes a marathon, half-marathon and 10km run distances. There are also Kids Mara’Fun races.

The races will start and finish at the Christchurch Town Hall, with the routes taking in Hagley Park and the Avon River.

“The ASB Christchurch Marathon couldn’t go ahead last year because of COVID-19 but everything is in place for a great race day on Sunday. The marathon is one of the city’s great sporting events because it draws people of all ages and abilities together and it is run on a course where it is easy for spectators to watch the action,'' says Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox.

“If you’re coming into the city centre to take part in the marathon or to cheer people on, please be aware there will be some road closures and detours in place to prevent vehicles from crossing the marathon route,'' Mr Cox says.

See a map of the marathon route.

See a full list of the street closures.

“Because of the traffic management that will be in place, it will be best to approach the city from the south. If you live in the north of Christchurch we recommend you travel in via Deans Avenue. If you live in the east, come in via Anzac Drive.’’

The Lichfield Street, Christchurch Art Gallery, Hereford Street, West End and The Crossing parking buildings will all be open. You can find real time information about how many parking spaces are available in the parking buildings here.

The marathon is scheduled to start at 7.30am. The fastest marathon runners are expected to start crossing the finishing line about 9.45am but it will be early afternoon before some participants complete the course.