More than 5000 entered last year and it is anticipated the race field could climb as high as 6000 this year when the 30th anniversary SBS Marathon is held on Sunday.
Entries have officially surpassed last year's record field making the anniversary event a real community celebration.
Entries have been strong for all of the events, which include the full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km run and walk and the 2.5km and 5km Mara'Fun for children, and currently stand at almost 5500. Around 5300 registered to take part last year, however atrocious conditions on the day meant around 4700 turned out for the event.
Among the masses setting off on their personal challenge at 9am will be SBS Bank's Manchester Street manager Nicki Bennett, who is taking part in the 10km run this year.
Ms Bennett said although she has recently transferred south from the Hamilton branch of SBS Bank she is not unfamiliar with the fantastic course of the SBS Marathon in Christchurch.
"Having been among the thousands of people to have actively taken part in the SBS Marathon during its impressive 30-year history, it's an absolute pleasure to be able to elevate my involvement this year through our community sponsorship.
"We know there are so many excited people that have done a lot of preparation leading up to this weekend. It is all about people setting their own personal goals and going out and achieving them. The team at SBS Bank is just rapt that we can help support everyone in doing just that by being the principal sponsor again this year.
"As New Zealand's only customer-owned community bank, we take our commitment to support our community very seriously. That is why we sponsor and support around 280 organisations throughout the country, along with a number of major community facilities and events.
"It is just a set of fundamental values that we have been living by for 141 years now that sees us striving to always look after our people and our communities and find new ways of giving them back greater benefits," Ms Bennett said.
Late entries and race pack pick up is being held at the Christchurch Convention Centre, in Kilmore Street opposite the Town Hall, this Friday from 12noon to 7pm and again on Saturday from 12noon to 5pm.
This year's SBS Marathon charity of choice is the New Zealand Spinal Trust.
For more information on the SBS Marathon or to register visit www.sbsmarathon.co.nz.
