01 May 2018

From Hong Kong to Houston and Hamilton to Hoon Hay, marathons runners from all over the world are gearing up for the ASB Christchurch Marathon.

Freelance running writer Karien Potgieter has run marathons in seven countries across four continents and is hoping to clock a new personal best at the upcoming ASB Christchurch Marathon.

Originally from South Africa, Ms Potgieter, a qualified ecologist and fulltime running writer, has run marathons in the US, France, the Kingdom of Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and, of course, New Zealand.

“I love combining running and traveling, so this was the perfect excuse to travel to and run in a part of New Zealand that I’ve never visited before,” Ms Potgieter says.

One of the fastest courses in the world, Race Director Chris Cox says the Christchurch Marathon event is renowned for its fast, flat and spectator-friendly track, making it the South Island’s favourite foot race.

“We’ve got runners coming from all over the world to experience the speed and beauty of Christchurch, such as the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, France, Australia and the United Kingdom,” Mr Cox says.

“It’s also fantastic to have the support of our local running community, with plenty of seasoned Marathon runners as well as lots of first-time registrants.”

Thousands of participants will be taking to Christchurch’s streets on June 3 for the 38th year of the Christchurch Marathon, which takes participants on a scenic route around iconic city landmarks such as Cathedral Square, Hagley Park, the Avon River and the Red Zone.

ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Attraction Linda Falwasser says the iconic running event provides an opportunity for all ages to participate together and highlights our new city as the perfect backdrop as a destination for this event.

“It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for Christchurch to showcase our new city with the world and cheer on the runners as they pass through our streets,” Ms Falwasser says.

“We’re encouraging people to either sign up for a run or a walk, or come into the city on race day and be part of the excitement of the 38th Christchurch Marathon.”

Mr Cox says the ASB Christchurch Marathon has something for everyone, with a Full and Half Marathon, a 10km and a Kids Mara’Fun, including a wheelchair option.

“Race day is June 3 so you’ve still got plenty of time to embrace the challenge, start training and make 2018 your year to run the Christchurch Marathon,” Mr Cox says.

Major road closures are planned for the Central City to ensure the safety of racegoers, so spectators and participants are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time to get to and from the event.

• For more information on the Corporate Challenge, go to https://www.christchurchnz.com/city-events/asb-christchurch-marathon/
• Early bird registrations close May 14. To register, go to http://www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz/
• To register your team for the Corporate Challenge, contact corporatechallenge@christchurchnz.com

ENDS

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