News & Updates

Dan Balchin hopes to build on a successful first year of marathon running as he seeks to clinch back to back New Zealand Marathon titles in Christchurch on Sunday.

The 32-year-old University of Canterbury athlete enjoyed an excellent marathon debut to claim victory in the Reboot Marathon last May in 2:15:55 – the fastest marathon time by a Kiwi in New Zealand for 25 years.

Later in the year he produced another solid display to place second on the tougher Auckland Marathon course in 2:22:25 to underline his marathon potential.

Now Dan is targeting the fast, flat brand new four-lap looped course at the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon and is relishing the prospect of building on his learnings in 2022 for what will be his third career marathon.

“I think when you do your first marathon you are entering unchartered territory and not sure where your limit is or exactly how hard you should be pushing yourself,” he explains. “I have got a better grasp on this now. I’ve also been practicing refuelling strategies, which I’ve learnt is very important for the marathon and hopefully I’ll get that right in Christchurch.”

Delving into the marathon for the first time on the Canterbury back roads as part of the Reboot Marathon, Dan describes his thrilling victory over clubmate Oska Inkster-Baynes in 2:15:55 as a “successful” marathon debut.

Enjoying a dedicated preparation for the 42.2km test reaped its rewards, however, he adopted a different strategy in the countdown to the Auckland Marathon by competing in several races beforehand.

Experiencing a rare off-day when finishing tenth at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships in Taupo last July. Dan bounced back to win bronze – and a 23^rd national senior medal – at the New Zealand Road Championships in Upper Hutt in September.

Considering the different approach the Central Otago-based athlete was satisfied with his performance in Auckland but has returned to the same dedicated build up for the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon.

Coached by Matt Ingram, Dan racks up an average of 150km a week and divides his training between his home in Central Otago and Queenstown, where he works as a civil engineer.

“There is definitely a lot of good trails – and I have everything I could ask for in terms of my training environment,” he said. “It has to be one of the best places in the world to train at.

“I’ve had a good lead in – probably three or four months of uninterrupted training – and I’ve managed to stay healthy and injury-free, which is all you can ask for.”

Dan is bidding to become the first man since Dale Warrander (in 2010-11) to successfully defend a New Zealand Marathon crown and if he were to achieve the feat he would join a special group of athletes that also includes 1960 Olympic marathon champion Barry Magee, former Boston Marathon champion Dave McKenzie and ex-Fukuoka Marathon winner Paul Ballinger as successful back-to-back national marathon victors.

“It is always nice to have a national title to your name, and I never take it for granted,” explains Dan. ”National titles are becoming harder to come by in my opinion as the quality and strength in depth in New Zealand domestic endurance running is strong at the moment and I’m not getting any younger. It is always nice to call yourself a national champion.”

Yet the South Islander – who has previously also snared national titles on the track over  3000m, 5000m and 3000m steeplechase as well over the 10km distance on the road – is also targeting a quick time in Christchurch.

“What motivates me is chasing PB’s, the flat, fast looped course is as good as any to do this on” said Dan.

“I’m in similar shape to before Reboot and I’ve had a similar build up. If all the stars align and we get good weather, I’m confident I can get into personal best territory.”

***The 2023 New Zealand Marathon Championships takes place as part of the Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon on Sunday 16 April.