Christchurch Marathon

ChristchurchNew Zealand

Next race

Sunday, 6 June 2027

8:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 40 m gain

40 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Christchurch Marathon draws approximately 2,800 finishers on an urban road in Christchurch, New Zealand. The course starts and finishes at Cathedral Square. The route follows the Avon River and passes Hagley Park and the Port Hills foothills. Mostly flat through the rebuilt city centre.

Christchurch Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 2,800 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid winter
7–10°C · humidity 75–90%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:15:12 — Tom Birnie (1985)Women: 2:35:00 — Naenai Sasaki (1982)

Course & terrain

Christchurch Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Christchurch Marathon is a flat loop starting and finishing at Cathedral Square, following the Avon River past Hagley Park and toward the Port Hills foothills. Gentle undulations are the only real terrain change, and spectators line Cathedral Square and the riverside paths through Hagley Park.

Christchurch Marathon route map

Registration

Christchurch Marathon entry requirements

For the Christchurch Marathon, yes. Christchurch's pancake-flat Canterbury Plains setting means minimal elevation change across the full course, making it a favourite for runners targeting personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying times in New Zealand.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Christchurch Marathon elevation profile?: The Christchurch Marathon has 40 metres of total climbing and 40 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Christchurch Marathon route map?: This page includes a Christchurch Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the Avon River and passes Hagley Park and the Port Hills foothills.
How long is the Christchurch Marathon?: The Christchurch Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Cathedral Square.
Is the Christchurch Marathon flat?: Yes. The Christchurch Marathon has 40 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — less than 55 metres of gain — which suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.
What time does the Christchurch Marathon start?: The 2027 Christchurch Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 6 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What does the Christchurch Marathon course look like?: The Christchurch Marathon winds through the Garden City alongside the tree-lined Avon River (Ōtākaro), passing through Hagley Park — home to the city's magnificent botanic gardens — and into the rebuilt inner-city streets. The almost entirely flat route makes it one of New Zealand's fastest marathon courses.
Is the Christchurch Marathon a good course for a fast time?: Yes. Christchurch's pancake-flat Canterbury Plains setting means minimal elevation change across the full course, making it a favourite for runners targeting personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying times in New Zealand.
When is the Christchurch Marathon held?: The Christchurch Marathon is typically held on the first Sunday of June each year, in New Zealand's early winter.
What is the weather like at the Christchurch Marathon?: June in Christchurch is cool and crisp — ideal running weather. Temperatures at the start line typically range from 5–12 °C. The city sits in a sheltered basin, so it is far less windy than Wellington, making conditions generally well-suited to quick marathon times.
Why is Christchurch called the Garden City?: Christchurch earned its Garden City nickname from its abundance of parks, tree-lined streets, and the famous Botanic Gardens alongside the Avon River. Marathon runners pass directly through this green heart of the city, giving the race a distinctive and beautiful character.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

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Next race: Saturday, 1 May 2027

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