Triathlon
TriathlonNew Zealand
IRONMAN New Zealand
Taupō, Bay of Plenty·Date to be confirmed
The southern hemisphere's oldest IRONMAN, raced on the shores of Lake Taupō.
RunningNew Zealand
Christchurch Marathon
Christchurch, Canterbury·Date to be confirmed·Marathon / Half Marathon / 10 km / Kids Marathon
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Usually Held
🗓 Early April
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
Marathon · Half Marathon · 10 km · Kids Marathon
Course Type
Road
Difficulty
Beginner
Entries
Date to be confirmed
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: 16 Week Marathon Build.
- ✔First marathon
- ✔Personal best attempt
- ✔Return to running
Overview
The event.
First run in 1980, the Christchurch Marathon is New Zealand's longest-running marathon and one of its friendliest. The mostly flat course loops through Hagley Park, along the Avon River and the rebuilt Christchurch city centre. It's a strong PB choice on the South Island and a popular first marathon thanks to gentle terrain, cool autumn weather and generous cut-off times.
Community feel, autumn leaves, and the Garden City's green corridors in full colour.
Who it suitsFirst-time marathoners, PB seekers, and runners who prefer a smaller, community-scale event.
Distances
Marathon
Half Marathon
10 km
Kids Marathon
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Course profile
- Flat. Around 40m of total elevation.
- Surface
- Sealed road and firm pathways.
- Elevation
- To be confirmed
- Aid stations
- Every 3km.
- Expected conditions
- Cool autumn — 6–16°C.
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 6–16°C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Light
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- TBC
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
16 weeks for most runners; 20 for first-timers.
Long sessions
Long runs to 32–35km with marathon-pace finishes.
Strength training
Weekly strength focused on the posterior chain.
Recovery
One rest, one easy day per week.
Course-specific prep
Practise even pacing — the course rewards discipline over surges.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse fuelling every long run — 60–90g carbs per hour.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long run
- — Threshold session
- — Marathon-pace tempo
- — 2–3 easy runs
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Christchurch Airport (CHC) is 15 minutes from the CBD.
Accommodation
Stay near Hagley Park or central Christchurch for start-line access.
Packet collection
Saturday at the Christchurch event expo.
Parking
Free parking around Hagley Park early on race morning.
Public transport
Local buses run early on race morning.
Weather
Cool autumn morning — bring a warm layer for the start.
What to pack
Bib, gels, warm layer, sunglasses.
Nutrition
Familiar breakfast 2–3 hours before start.
Recovery
Wander the Christchurch Botanic Gardens post-race.
Local cafés
C1 Espresso or Addington Coffee Co-op are local favourites.
After the race
Stay for Akaroa, Arthur's Pass, or a Canterbury wine day.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Is Christchurch Marathon good for a first marathon?+
Yes — it is one of New Zealand's most beginner-friendly marathons thanks to the flat course and cool weather.
How flat is the course?+
Almost flat — total elevation is around 40m.
When is the marathon?+
Early April each year.
Is there a half marathon?+
Yes, along with a 10km and Kids Marathon.
How do I enter?+
Entries open through the official Christchurch Marathon website, usually from late spring.
Col de Sud Coaching
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
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Gold Coast Marathon
Gold Coast, Queensland·Date to be confirmed
Fast, flat coastal marathon on the Gold Coast — famous for personal bests and IAAF Gold Label status.
Marathon · Half Marathon · 10 km · 5.7 km Challenge · Junior Dash 4 km · Junior Dash 2 km
Last details checked: November 2025