Runner, 81, set to break record when he finishes Christchurch Marathon

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

Dave Eastmond will set a record when he crosses the finish line at the ASB Christchurch Marathon on Sunday, regardless of how long it takes him to complete the course.

Dave Eastmond plans to complete the full marathon in Christchurch on Sunday.

At the age of 81, Eastmond will be the oldest person to ever finish the full marathon in Christchurch.

He is returning to his home town to compete on Sunday along with about 4000 other runners.

Eastmond, who was a farmer, has been competing in Masters Games for about 30 years.

Angie Carter with her son, Bryn Carter, aged 4, after she completed the Motatapu Sawpit Trail Run in Arrowtown earlier this year.

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'I love being fit, so to speak. I'm fortunate health wise - it must be the genes.'

A Christchurch Marathon crowd surges from the Kilmore Street start line in 2005.

His first aim was simple - to start and finish the race. A bonus would be making the record for his age group.

He exercises every day around him home in Parekura Bay in Northland, going for a four to five hour jog about once a week.

He described running as 'bloody marvellous'.

'You've heard of the runners high? I finish up with one of those.'

He loved competing, winning and getting a chance to stand on the podium.

Christchurch Marathon race director Chris Cox.

'For my age, I'm pretty active. Apart from my hearing, I'm quite with it.'

Eastmond will join thousands on Sunday running the city centre course.

Former Stuff journalist, Ashleigh Stewart, decided to enter the marathon after the March 15 terror attacks. Stewart, who lives and works in the United Arab Emirates, is dedicating her run to the victims of the attack.

Her running gear features the names of the 51 people killed in the attacks and Arabic calligraphy designed by the mother of one of the victims.

'I'm running in honour of the victims of Friday's attacks, and in support of their families,' she said.

Angie Carter signed up for the Christchurch Marathon on the day of the March 15 terror attack. She will run a half marathon on Sunday.

'I had been wondering whether to enter for some time,' she said.

'After the mosque attacks I just thought I have to do this now. I have to embrace life and jump into it.

'I won't be breaking any records, but at least I am living my life.'

Race director Chris Cox said the restored Town Hall will be used as the marathon hub for the first time since 2010. The start and finish line for the marathon will be outside the Town Hall's main entrance on Kilmore St.

'The Town Hall was always the home of the start and finish line. We used it as the event village for years,' he said.

'It is a big move to be back in the Town Hall. It is fantastic.'