Crossing the finish line
Many UC students are set to run in and around Hagley and the city on April 21st. Source: Supplied / Kaylee Mccormack.
Whether it’s a quarter-life crisis or a lifelong love affair, running has endless benefits to your mental and physical health. With the Christchurch Marathon coming up on April 21st, Ilam is bustling with students who have their sights set on crossing the finish line.
In a city that attracts activity due to its accessibility, there are plenty of runners among us – but running around Ilam can feel like a daunting task.
Zooming past people you might recognize as they walk from lectures or sit in traffic on Clyde Rd can feel vulnerable, though equally invigorating, as Ōtautahi Christchurch’s flat streets give you the means for speed.
The Christchurch Marathon offers a scenic look around Ōtautahi’s most iconic landmarks with room for thousands of cheerleaders to support.
Georgie Fryatt, 19, is training hard for next month's half-marathon.
It’s the second-year Law student’s first half-marathon after beginning her running journey in September 2023.
“I was having a really rough first year at uni[versity]. I’ve struggled with my mental health a lot during my teen years… I wanted to try something new for myself.”
Running has helped Fryatt feel strong and proud of herself. “The feeling I get after a run is always the best part of my day… it’s so beneficial to my mental health.”
But it isn’t easy. Fryatt admitted, “As someone who isn’t naturally good at it, it’s difficult to not compare myself to others.”
Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon is the fastest in Aotearoa. Source: Christchurch Marathon.
The challenge is keeping consistency in following a plan when uni-life gets taxing, and avoiding injuries leading up to the milestone, Fryatt shared.
An event like the Christchurch Marathon is more than a goal; it is a celebration of the effort put into training and health. Fryatt said that she “Just wants to finish!”
“I am most looking forward to the atmosphere and adrenaline of being around people who are here for the same reasons. We are all there to better ourselves and that is an energy that will radiate through all of us.”
The Christchurch Marathon is Aotearoa’s fastest, inspired by English runner Ian Thompson’s 2hrs 09min 12secs marathon at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Ōtautahi Christchurch. At the time, it was the second-fastest ever run, and it remains the fastest Commonwealth Games marathon result in history.
Henry Allott, 20, is familiar with the feeling of crossing a finish line with more than enough time to spare.
The lifelong athlete and third-year Financial Engineering student has been running competitively for 10 years and is set to complete the half-marathon in an impressive sub-80 minutes.
After achieving his goal of under three hours in the Queenstown Marathon in 2023, Allott has embarked on breaking another barrier.
“I most looking forward to coming down the home straight with the clock hopefully showing a time less than 1h 20mins, and the feeling of accomplishment that will come alongside it,” said Allott.
Allott runs purely for the sense of accomplishment, working toward – and smashing – a long-time goal and feeling satisfied with his achievements.
“I often find that it boosts my motivation towards uni[versity], work, and just in general,” Henry explained. “It allows you to take a break and take your mind off [things] while still being productive.”
Allott completing the Queenstown Marathon in 2023. Source: Supplied / Henry Allott.
Since primary school, Allott has devoted his time to running and has succeeded immensely. To train, Allott has used online programs that average around 80kms a week. He said that he is “starting to feel really good about my chances of achieving [his] goal”.
Allott admitted, “The biggest challenge when it comes to a half or full marathon is to get into the rhythm of running.... after not running in a while, or not much before.”
“Once you’ve got a week or two into your program it starts to feel… more manageable.”
If you’re doing the mahi of getting out for a fun run, you are a runner – whether you think you are “good” or not.
It doesn’t have to be a quarter-life crisis marathon, or even running at all. It’s making the most of Ōtautahi’s outdoors, and finding some time for yourself, that does wonders for your degree.
Running is self-love; you put time and energy into yourself to give yourself a win for the day.
Both Fryatt and Allott acknowledged that time management – balancing training and university or work – can be challenging. But an event like the Christchurch Marathon is the perfect motivator for students to push themselves, manage their health, and ensure students can go the distance for the year ahead.