The 2026 New Zealand Half Marathon Championships return to Christchurch this Sunday, April 12, as part of the Christchurch Marathon weekend. Known for its flat and fast course, the event is a growing favourite for athletes chasing fast times. Once again, the championships are set to draw many of the country’s leading distance runners, with strong fields assembled in both the men’s and women’s races.
Leading the men’s field is the clear favourite Toby Gualter (Olympic). Fresh off a national 5000m title on the track, the Wellington runner shifts his focus back to the road in search of another national crown. Gualter won last year’s championships in Wellington and arrives in Christchurch aiming to defend his title and continue his impressive run of national honours.
Training has been going well, been focusing on the long runs. The half marathon distance my sweet spot. I know I’m aerobically strong but also able to kick off a fast pace.
Toby Gualter
This race is always a big part of my year especially as it helps in making the team for world half. I know it will be competitive as it is a NZ champs so I’m looking forward to battling it out and defending my title.
I would like to run a PB and if it’s a good day, and I’m feeling strong at half way I think the course record could be in danger.
Standing in his way is Julian Oakley, with a 1:03:49 best to his name. Oakley finished close behind Gualter at the Christchurch Half Marathon last year and will be eager to turn the tables in what shapes as a closely fought battle at the front.
Adding depth to the men’s race are several athletes capable of pushing into podium contention. Andy Good (UC), Chris Dryden (UC), Tom Moulai (Whippets), Seamus Kane (Scottish), Isaac Murphy (Feilding), and Darian Sorouri (Whippets) all bring solid road credentials and will be hunting those podium places.
The women’s race will see a new champion crowned, with defending titleholder Lisa Cross absent from the lineup. Laura Nagel (NHB) steps up to the half-marathon distance as the leading contender, following a string of national track titles that includes the 5000m crown earlier this year at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships.
Training has been going really well – no injuries or sickness – and the transition from track to half marathon has felt oddly pretty easy. To be honest, I’ve probably found it a lot easier to manage. But I’ve also been fortunate not to have to do any of the hard stuff solo, which is huge. While the competitor in me naturally likes to win, this weekend’s race for me is more about running a fast time. I’ve got a somewhat ambitious time goal, so as long as I can hold on for that long – that’s the big difference to what I’ve been doing the last few years, I guess – it should be a good day!
Laura Nagel
Further depth in the women’s field comes from Arleah Tippens, who finished third at the Christchurch Half Marathon in 2025, along with Maia Flint (Whippets), Hannah Bartram (Whippets), Kumiko Otani (WHAC), and Jemima Tennekoon (Queenstown). With favourable conditions and competitive fields, the stage is set for a compelling championship race on the streets of Christchurch.
Racing gets underway at 7:30 AM on Sunday, the 12th of April. Follow along with live results from the Christchurch Marathon here. Keep up on the Athletics New Zealand Instagram and Facebook for podium results and winners’ interviews.
Limited late entries remain for the event. Get your last-minute spot on the start line. Enter here.