Relatively plain, flat double-loop course through what was once suburbia. Now laid waste by the big earthquake in 2011. Still whole city blocks without any buildings. New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit, and this marathon is a good enough excuse to go (it was my excuse), but best to plan it as part of a multi-city trip. Well organized and not too expensive race; and the course could be pretty fast if you wanted it to be.

Thank you for putting on a well-run marathon. However, as documented by fellow Perth runner, John Harris, this is the first time a finisher's medal was not draped around our necks at the end of a marathon. I did not even read the fine print on what was awarded post-race, as it was assumed all marathoners would get what all marathon finishers the world over get - this being a medal (be it great, mediocre or poor in quality). We have nothing "physical" to show for our efforts, as humble as they may be. Had we known this, I can guarantee that we would have not traveled all the way from Perth to get basically nothing on race day, apart from a shirt that we purchased outside of our own entry cost and a series of photos that we now have to purchase - and fair enough. We had a friend from Perth doing his first marathon and, in building up the achievement of actually finishing, we referred to the magic feeling you got when a finisher's medal is draped around your neck as you crossed "that" line. This was a disappointment all-round. Please explain your reasons for not issuing a medallion. Seeing the kids getting their medals engraved post-race was the icing on the cake. Cost is therefore not a reason, surely? Fantastic that the youngsters be rewarded and encouraged, but for goodness sakes, what about the folk belting out the 42.2? Thank you. Regards, David Brown

What a beautiful city, with the friendliest and most helpful folks I have encountered in a long time. I offer the following as positive criticism, as I appreciate the difficulty of managing these events mostly with volunteers. The marathoners should have their own start for two reasons: 1. The marathon event and the athlete deserve this respect. It's a special event, and a long way from running a 10-20K event in every sense. Those who put their toe on the line have shown courage and great commitment, so let`s acknowledge that. I think the public would also appreciate this. 2. It`s simply too congested. Even a 5-minute difference would fix this. The water stops were too far apart, up to 5K, and I think this is too far; 3K would have been good. For the average marathon finisher using gels, etc., 5K is a long time between drinks - even on a cool day, such as the one we had. This was the feelings of most I spoke to, especially the inexperienced. However, the issue that has astounded me the most has been the absense of a FINISHER'S MEDAL. This was very disappointing. Please let me know why. The one thing that marathoners hold so dearly is the receiving around one`s neck of that precious medal - the permanent reminder of the race, the pain, the beautiful city, and the finish. The completion of a marathon for many is often a one-off occurrence, a practical acknowledgment of significant change in their life, e.g. overcoming cancer, or other major health issues; recovering from divorce; or other issues that can bring people to a halt. It is not only the domain of the competent distance runner. The marathon in some magical way has great healing qualities to propel these people forward with great energy. I feel for these folks, particularly when they receive nothing as they pass the finish line. Many may never have the chance again. Of the many marathons I have done across Australia, I have never seen a medal not issued to the finisher. This view was held by all marathon finishers I spoke to, including the other 3 Australians who made the journey to CC. I think race directors generally have missed the point a little in regard to the finisher's medal for marathoners. Race directors always want more entrants. They advertise and promote (and so they should), yet they never talk up the medal! From my experience of talking and running with many, many marathoners and ironman competitors over the years, good medals hold attraction! (Consider the New Zealand Ironman finisher's medal.) Good medals attract athletes to register in a particular event. I understand cost. But every runner competing in a marathon has made a sacrifice, so a relatively small cost to receive a great medal should pose no issue. I would be appreciative of your response. Thank you for the forum to voice my view. -John Harris