The Southland Marathon was first run from Riverton to Invercargill in 1909, making it the oldest full distance marathon in the Southern Hemisphere.
There were 13 starters, 7 finished. The road in those days was rough and graveled – no smooth tar seal for those runners, who also had to contend with a miserable mid-winter Southland cold, wet day.
For the record, the winner was David Stewart in a time of 3.22.30. Mr. Stewart did not have the chance to repeat his victory as the race was next run in 1953.
The marathon starts at the small coastal fishing town of Riverton, travelling along the rural Southland plains before heading through the famously wide streets of Invercargill to finish at Surrey Park, the home of Stadium Southland.
There is often a tail westerly wind so not only could Invercargill be the home of the World’s Fastest Indian, but also New Zealand’s fastest marathon! For further information please email: info@southlandmarathon.co.nz
