ambassadors
Meet Your 2025 Christchurch Marathon Ambassadors
We’re excited to introduce our 2025 ambassadors: a group of runners who live and breathe the spirit of our event.
Read their story below and see what’s fueling their passion for the Christchurch Marathon this year!
GUy mansell
A podcaster and dad, Guy has had an on-and-off relationship with running for years - just like many others. But in April 2023, he and his wife committed to running with one goal in mind: leveling up their fitness to keep up with their toddler.
“I love that all you need is a pair of shoes and some consistency in order to improve, plus you get to go outside and explore. Running has also been a huge help for my mental health as it teaches me that simply putting one foot in front of the other can lead to achieving incredible results. Commitment to a goal like a race is great for structuring your week and training, plus balance with your work and personal life.”
Christchurch holds a special place in his heart - having studied there for two years. Now he’s excited to return and cross the half marathon finish line.
Grace colcord
A proud Samoan teine, Grace is taking on the Christchurch Half Marathon to represent Pacific people and show that this space is for them too.
"I believe we belong here—achieving, thriving, and pushing boundaries. Running is my way of celebrating our strength and encouraging our communities to take part, whether it’s their first race or their fiftieth. This is about creating visibility, connection, and showing that we can conquer any challenge. Lesshgoo!“
ABBAS NAZARI
As a proud Christchurch local and fitness enthusiast, Abbas is making waves in the fitness community, using this marathon as part of his training for the Hyrox World Champs in June.
“I am a relatively novice runner and hoping to use the Christchurch Half Marathon as a building block for the build up to the Hyrox World Championships in June. Christchurch is my hometown and the running route, crisp Autumn weather and the beautiful scenery will make for a fast and memorable experience”
BRODIE SEELEN
Running has always been a way for Brodie to push his limits and test his strength. After battling a life-threatening illness at age 16 in 2020, running became even more meaningful — it’s a reminder of his journey, resilience, and the strength he’s gained through overcoming challenges.
“The Christchurch Marathon holds a special place in my heart. Not only am I honoured to be an Ambassador for the event, but it represents everything I’ve learned about facing obstacles head-on. In 2020, when I was unsure I could ever push myself physically again, this marathon was the kind of challenge I dreamt of returning to.
As a major charity partner of the marathon, Ranui House means so much to me. They were a lifeline during my treatment, providing support for me and my family. I’m excited to run again, support this amazing cause, and encourage others to challenge themselves!”
zazi henderson
A podcaster, content creator, product designer, and mum of two, Zazi is taking on the Christchurch Half Marathon to inspire other parents and those in bigger bodies, proving that running is for everyone.
"I didn’t think running was for me or bodies like mine, but within a year, I’ve gone from being able to run for only 30 seconds to signing up for a half marathon. Running has done wonders for my mental health, and I want to encourage others to find the joy in it. We CAN do hard things.” on April!“\
mums2marathon
Parents and business owners Ellen and Philly are returning Ambassadors for the 2025 Christchurch Marathon!
"It’s always good to be running at ‘home.’ We love the vibe and energy of the Christchurch event, as well as running with our mates and community. We’re mums, business owners, and friends who love challenging ourselves – from parkruns to full marathons.
This year, we’re both taking on the half marathon and are excited to see the new changes on course and at the finish line. Follow along with us for updates and join our M2M group runs – all levels welcome!"
Connor Johnston
A proud Cantabrian, Connor is taking on the Christchurch Half Marathon to chase a sub-70-minute finish in his hometown.
"Since rediscovering running a few years ago, I’ve been keen to push my boundaries and find the limit of what my body can do. While I enjoy running for the mental benefits, it’s the core drive of ‘what am I capable of’ that gets me out of bed for every run.”
