Record Turnout And Local Double-champion Make Christchurch Marathon History

Local Christchurch runner Oska Baynes, 33, made history today by becoming the first athlete ever to claim victory twice in both the Christchurch Marathon and Half Marathon events, while the marathon itself shattered attendance records with an unprecedented 7,015 participants across all race categories.

Baynes claimed victory in the 2025 Christchurch Marathon when he broke the ribbon at 2:20:20. Maximillian Yanzick and Tom Galloway took out second and third place, respectively.

While Baynes had another record in his sights – the 40-year-old course record – he says today is still one of his proudest moments.

“I was on record pace, and I was feeling confident, but we lost a little bit of time in the third lap and unfortunately it just got a little bit hot and it was survival of the fittest so I was just trying to minimise damage and get to the finish line,” says Baynes.

"But look at the end of the day it's not about position one, two and three. It’s great that we’ve helped motivate over 7,000 people to come out here and better their lives, motivate each other and being healthy. That's what today is all about.”

Last year’s Women’s Marathon winner Ingrid Cree repeated her heroics this year, posting a personal best time 2:46:31.

“I’m really happy with my time. It’s the second year in a row I’ve run a personal best here at Christchurch. The support along the course was amazing, with so many people encouraging me to keep going,” says Cree.

She says running the hills of Wellington has been perfect preparation.

“There was a section where I got a headwind, and I thought ‘I can do this’. I was out in a 50 kilometre wind in Wellington the other day and I had to hide behind a car – I thought I was actually going to get lifted up. Today was just a light zephyr really.”

Event numbers

A record number of participants took part in the event this year with 7,015 participants across its four distances including the Christchurch Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10 km and Kids Mara’fun.

Event Director Calum Nicholson is delighted with the turnout but not surprised.

“We are 40% up on last year’s numbers. It’s clear there is a growing reputation of the Christchurch Marathon as a premium event and Christchurch as a destination.”

It was the third year the event ran through the heart of the city on the 10km loop course but this time with improvements made to the course and double the entertainment points added.

“This year’s success is a real nod to the central city’s resurgence. The course celebrates the best the city has to offer with participants enjoying even more of Christchurch’s iconic spaces like Te Pae and Victoria Square alongside the existing course landmarks. Judging by the turnout of both runners and supporters today, people love it,” says Nicholson.

Half marathon results

With 3,189 entrants, the largest event was the half-marathon.

With a time of 1:03:30, Toby Gualter from Porirua won the men’s half marathon, narrowly missing the course record of 1:02:37.

“I was pretty chuffed with my time. I thought the course record might be on but that’s something for next year, things are definitely heading in the right direction,” says Gaulter.

“I wanted to come here and break a PB sub 65 minute and obviously lots of hard, hard miles and hard weeks paid off.”

Auckland runner and last year’s winner Anneke Grogan was first across the line in the women’s half with a time of 1:14:59.

“I wanted to break 1:15 so I am very happy with that. I didn't really know what to expect coming into it as my training up until now hasn't had any workouts, so I just went for it and it worked out,” says Grogan.

“I'm running the Hawke’s Bay Half in a few weeks’ time, so hopefully I'll be even fitter then, but I'll see if they're able to put on the perfect conditions we’ve had today.”

10km results

Maia Flint from Tauranga was first across the line in the Women’s 10 km with a time of 37:49.

“You couldn't have asked for better conditions; it was super still and not too cold, and just so fun running with so many people around. For the first four or five kilometres there were people everywhere to just drag me along,” says Flint.

“I am happy with my time. I was a little bit concerned I was going out too fast, not too shy of my 5K PB, so I just tried to hold on. I was over a minute ahead of my PB so I'm really happy with that.”

Last year’s marathon winner Andy Good, from Christchurch, secured the men’s 10km title, in a time of 31:49.

“I've got the Ballarat Marathon in two weeks’ time so today was a great chance to head out, get a good time and recover in time for a marathon which is always pretty brutal,” says Good.

“After Ballarat it’ll be a few pretty easy weeks and I'm looking forward to a beer. I haven't had one this year.”

Event organisers delighted and grateful

Event Director Calum Nicholson says it was amazing to see thousands of people lining the streets in support.

“Everyone has embraced the vibrant atmosphere of this event and its contribution to the city. Christchurch has truly come to life today, and the excitement is absolutely palpable!"

Nicholson also wants to thank all of those who helped make the event happen.

“An event of this size requires a real team effort. We’re enormously grateful to our community of volunteers, sponsors and the Christchurch City Council. It’s community spirit that enabled us to deliver an incredible day.”

$27,000 raised for Bone Marrow Cancer Trust

It wasn’t just those crossing the finish line who were celebrating.

This is the second year the event has had a charity partner – The Bone Marrow Cancer Trust.

The Trust runs Rānui House & Apartments – a home-away-from-home for families traveling to Christchurch for life-saving medical treatment.

Trust CEO Mandy Kennedy says this year’s Christchurch Marathon raised $27,000 for Rānui House & Apartments.

“It's been amazing to see so many people step up to the start line for us. We’re truly grateful to the Christchurch Marathon for helping raise awareness and funds to support our cause and the families who call Rānui home.”

Notes:

2025 Christchurch Marathon Results

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