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SBS Marathon in Christchurch took its inspiration from one of the greatest athletic feats in history. Marathon running, as we know it, hails back to Athens in 1896 and the first modern Olympiad. But the inspiration for this most classic of challenges hails back to a mythical Greek messenger named Pheidippides who ran 24 miles between Marathon and Athens to announce an Athenian victory in the Battle of Marathon. It was one of histories greatest marathon races. Today, mass participation in sport and recreation has made Christchurch a huge event. The fast, flat streets of Christchurch have been host to the gala event. Founded in 1981, the SBS Marathon in Christchurch was inspired by the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games marathon where England’s Ian Thompson shocked the running world with a time of 2hrs 09min 12secs. The late Jack Foster claimed silver for New Zealand with a world best for veteran runners of 2hrs 11min 18secs. Features of SBS Marathon in Christchurch SBS Marathon in Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s favorite races. Every year on Queen's Birthday Sunday close to 4000 entrants stop the South Island’s largest city in its tracks. The other features of SBS Marathon in Christchurch include: SBS Marathon in Christchurch follows the same historic Commonwealth Games route. From the Christchurch Town Hall, competitors follow a super-fast and supremely scenic course from the Christchurch Town Hall and around the Avon River and Hagley Park. The race is a huge community occasion that dominates Christchurch city like no other event. The course has official road closures, and competitors are supported every step of the way by more than 300 volunteers and thousands of Christchurch city residents yelling support from their front gates. The event has become a popular mid-winter getaway for runners and walkers all over New Zealand. The start/finish line is within walking distance of the café, casino, shopping and accommodation districts, including the Crowne Plaza Christchurch, the official event hotel.
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