[luckystar]

So this coming week-end, the Christchurch marathon is on. Here is a quote from the local news:
Runners in tomorrow's Christchurch Marathon may get cold feet, but will still take to the road for the 42.2 kilometre run. Temperatures of about 4 degrees Celsius, strong south-westerly winds and potential snowflakes will make for a chilly run. Blue Skies Weather forecaster Tony Trewinnard said the SBS Marathon was unfortunate timing weather-wise. "The wind-chill factor could bring the temperature down to -5C or -10C," he said. "It won't be gales or anything but there will be strong southwesterlies," Trewinnard said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see snowflakes in the city. "They won't accumulate, but they'll likely be there. "I hate to say it, but they're going to be appalling conditions to run a marathon in."

This is an event I may hopefully try next year. Anyone entered? Best of luck to them all I say.:clap

[KiwiMel]

I competed...hmm I mean COMPLETED my first 1/2 marathon, and yes there was hail at the start line and about 10mins into the run, other than that we were lucky that it didnt rain!!
I am now planning my next...13th Sept in Dunedin..so believe it or not that is only 14 weeks away!

[luckystar]

Congrats on completing your first half marathon and good luck in the Dunedin one. I've got a few running links saved for when we hit NZ. Looking forward to getting out on the trails as well.

[Duncan74]

Yep, hopefully be walking down to the start for this myself next year! Already done one marathon in NZ when we were there on our recce, and was blown away by the support there was from the locals.

[lindreth]

I'm hoping to run next year too. Been for a few runs around Hagley this week and there's a lot of other runners around. I'm looking forward to hitting the Port Hills for some runs too.

[sbinder]

Check out the Adidas Auckland (half and) Marathon, 1st November. It's a bit hillier than the Christchurch Marathon (although you'd be hard pressed to find a course that is flatter than Chch!), but you get beautiful views of the harbour and city as you cross over the Harbour Bridge during the last 5km or so. Plus, there's a big party afterward in Victoria Park, and since the race starts so early in the morning, you have the rest of the day to hobble around Auckland. Better odds with the weather too! I'm using it as my next goal as my big training regimen ended 2 weeks ago...

[luckystar]

Glad to see some runners on here. Are there (m)any local running clubs in Christchurch?

[Red Devil]

... I'm up for the Chch marathon next year, but will certainly have to start getting into shape as I've been a wee bit lazy of late ;)

I've done a few half marathon's... Wilmslow one in Cheshire a couple of times, but like I say will have to start preparing pronto if I'm serious enough at doing it :exit

[Duncan74]

I've done a few half marathon's... Wilmslow one in Cheshire a couple of times,

PB on that is 1:41, Like the first half, but then it gets hilly for the second. But remember, it's a "Race not a Run":)

[Red Devil]

... oh, I can't remember my PB time ;)

What I do remember about the Wilmslow is the Kenyan team hugely impressing me... and you're right about the finish, especially that BIG 'dip' approx. 2 miles towards the end :eek:... ouch, I can still feel the lactic acid in my legs :wah

[Duncan74]

Must admit I didn't see a lot of the Kenyans... I think they'd finished, collected their prizes, had a massage, shower, and bowl of Pasta from the Cheshire Organics van before I'd finished. ;-)

[lindreth]

Sounds like we will have a lot of representation next year!
Luckystar, there are a number of running clubs in Christchurch. Once I get back in to some kind of shape (I just took a 6 month break) I am going to start checking them out. I'll let you know what I find.

[luckystar]

Thanks Lindreth. Look forward to the info.
I think of Wilmslow half as a nice flat course....when you compare it to the Macclesfield and Congleton half marathons.
Looks like there could be a few of us at the start line next year. Here's hoping.:)

[Red Devil]

... yep, I've penciled next year's event into the old diary :nice1

I never did the Macclesfield or Congleton half's... Wilmslow was hard enough :eek:

Look forward to meeting up with you guys :nice1

[luckystar]

Recently did the Macclesfield half.....arriving in Christchurch in January so still planning for this next year.....although may have to opt for the half based on my performance at Macc this year :exit

[Leo]

:nice1 Speaking of marathon running... I was wondering if the good folks of Christchurch may share & recommend some excellent training routes around Christchurch?

Is anyone taking part in the Columbia Christchurch Multisport & Duathlon Race (http://www.multisportevents.co.nz/) on November 8th?

[Jon-and-Lou]

For running .. how about an hour or so on the Port Hills?

Or around Hagley Park - think there is also a good track at the QE2? Although, to be honest loads of good places for running.

Are yoy also doign the cycle?

[luckystar]

Was just wondering if anyone did this in the end? Unfortunately, our plans changed and we weren't in NZ.