Central city, Getting around  |  3h ago

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More than 8000 people will take to the streets for this weekend’s Christchurch Marathon, the largest field in the event’s 49-year history.

People coming into the city should expect delays and allow for extra travel time as runners set off on Sunday 12 April, following a 10.55km loop around the central city. The course features the best of the central City including iconic landmarks such as Hagley Park, the Christchurch Town Hall, Te Pae and the Avon River.

Christchurch Marathon Director Chris Cox says the record breaking numbers taking part are testament to the increasing popularity of the city itself and running in general, which is having “something of a renaissance” right now.

“All you need to run is a pair of trainers so it’s a very accessible way to keep fit and connect with others. The Christchurch Marathon provides a fast, flat and scenic course around a buzzing central city, and as we see from the numbers it has become a destination event for people outside of Ōtautahi,” says Mr Cox.

“The course is largely the same as 2025 with a couple of minor adjustments taking out the section around Cranmer Square and the section along Peterborough Street. It’s a 10.55km loop-course features the scenic sights of North Hagley Park and the Ōtākaro Avon River and offers an iconic marathon experience through central city streets with lots of supporters along the way.”

There are four events held on the day: marathon, half-marathon, 10km distance and the youth 3km and kids’ mile, each starting at a different time.

Traffic management will be in place from 4am to 3pm (see map below), with signposted detours around the road closures. The four avenues – Moorhouse, Fitzgerald, Bealey and Harper/Deans – are the best way for people to travel around the closures.

Approaching the city centre from the east or the south is advisable, with car parking available at The Crossing, Hereford Street and Lichfield Street parking buildings.

“There’s a real party atmosphere as lots of people come out to support the runners as well, and with the event sold out this year it’s going to be amazing!” says Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore.

“We encourage friends and family to walk, bike or scooter into the marathon zone and support our central city businesses as well.”

Bus services will continue to operate but may experience short delays around the CBD. Some bus routes will have detours in place with changes to bus stops around the road closure area. 

The 2026 Christchurch Marathon will take place on Sunday 12 April. Find more information at the following links: