Christchurch, the home of the fastest marathon ever run in New Zealand, could see more marathon records in 2009's SBS Marathon Event.
Thirty five years after Great Britain's Ian Thompson won the 1974 Commonwealth Games marathon in what was then history's second fastest marathon (2:09.12), Christchurch is still home to the fastest road race in New Zealand. But with record entries and New Zealand's top marathoner already signed up, 2009's 29th SBS Marathon is shaping up as the best ever.
New Zealand Olympian Michael Aish announced last week that he would be returning home for the Garden City event. With two 2hr 13min marathons to his credit, the 32 year old has been New Zealand's top performer over the classic 42.2k distance in the last two years. In 2008 he recorded his fastest time (2:13.20) while winning the prestigious Rock N' Roll Marathon in Arizona, a time that in Christchurch would knock almost two minutes off the course record set by Commonwealth Games rep Tom Birnie way back in 1985.
Aish isn't making any predictions, but has said he's coming to Christchurch to run a fast time on New Zealand soil. How fast only Aish has a true inkling, but many think he is capable of eclipsing the New Zealand resident record (2:11.18) set by Jack Foster when claiming silver in that famous 1974 Commonwealth Games race.
The annual Queens Birthday Weekend event has long been renowned as New Zealand's premier road race. "The course has always been renowned as one of the fastest marathons around," says race director Chris Cox. "But we also work very hard to bring together the top runners to make sure it really is New Zealand's best road race."
Cox says attracting the likes of Michael Aish reflects positively on the Christchurch event. "Most of New Zealand's top runners are based overseas these days," says Cox. "So to get a guy like Mike Aish willing to front up at home is a big deal."
"The fact that he chose the SBS Marathon Event is a reflection of the reputation we've built up. But I think it reflects well on Mike too, that he feels it's important for New Zealanders to run well at home as well as away."
As well as the fastest road race in New Zealand, Christchurch has also been host to the country's fastest growing marathon event. In the last five years the SBS Marathon Event has doubled in size, with last year's event attracting 4601 entries, and Cox says entries so far are tracking for yet another record year.
"Right now we have almost exactly twice as many entries as we had at the same time last year," said Cox. "It's impossible to predict what that really means, but obviously the interest is higher and we're hoping the event will reach 5000 entrants for the first time."
Asked why the SBS Marathon Event continues to grow, even during a recession, and Cox points to a combination of social comment and listening to the competitors.
"I think people today value their health and recreation a lot more," says Cox. "So when things get a bit tough, they're more inclined to pinch pennies elsewhere so they can continue enjoying the benefits of their fitness and recreation."
"But why does the SBS Marathon Event continue to grow? Honestly, I think it's because we cater for everyone from top class runners to recreational walkers, kids, community groups and spectators watching the race pass their letter box. People think they're part of something special."
Scheduled for Sunday May 31, this year will be the 29th SBS Marathon Event. As well as the full marathon distance, options include a half marathon, 10k fun run and a Kid's Mara'Fun, and organisers welcome both runners and walkers. The route, much of which is still on the historic 1974 Commonwealth Games course, is a scenic inner-city tour of Christchurch's iconic Avon River and Hagley Park.
For more information go to www.sbsmarathon.co.nz.
