The 2022 New Zealand Marathon Championships for senior men and senior women will be incorporated into the Christchurch Marathon on Sunday 10 April.
Regarded as New Zealand’s fastest marathon, the flat course in the Garden City will offer a great opportunity for the top Kiwi marathoners to post a slick time.
In 2019 Oska Baynes ran a swift 2:18:11 to win the men’s race and that same year Alice Mason secured victory in the women’s race in a rapid 2:39:17. In the most recent edition earlier this year Mason retained her title in 2:43:48 with Daniel Jones triumphant in the men’s race, clocking 2:23:39.
Athletics New Zealand Competitions Manager Jason Cameron said: “The Christchurch Marathon has been the go to marathon for many of our athletes pursuing personal best performances and is renowned for its depth of fields, fast courses and excellent race management. The timing of the race in early autumn should also help provide more conducive conditions for running fast. We are looking forward to our senior national championship returning to the city of Christchurch.”
Christchurch Marathon Race Director Chris Cox said: “It’s great to be hosting the elite national championship again in 2022. As organisers, having Athletics New Zealand recognise the stature of the Frontrunner Hoka Christchurch Marathon is very gratifying. But it’s also great for the sport. The top runners want to run fast races and the Frontrunner Hoka Christchurch Marathon is renowned as New Zealand’s fastest marathon.”
All other age-groups including masters will have their national marathon championships incorporated into the 2022 Rotorua Marathon, which takes place on Saturday 7 May.