Rotorua runner Alice Mason could make history in Sunday's ASB Christchurch Marathon, but her main focus is running a faster time.
Established in 1981, some of New Zealand's best runners have tasted success at the Christchurch Marathon. The famously flat course is renowned as the fastest in the country and Mason knows the scenic route well.
It was the site of her first marathon and first marathon win, when she won the 2015 event. In the four years since, Mason has dominated the domestic scene, including winning the national title the past two years. If the 31-year-old can win again at Christchurch on Sunday, she'll be the first woman in history to win three consecutive New Zealand Marathon titles.
Few would bet against her, she comes into this weekend's race in good form having won the Rotorua Marathon on May 4.
In March she ran a personal best time of 2h 39m 48s. If she can knock three minutes off that in Christchurch, there's a silver fern waiting for her at the world championships in Doha on September 27.