When Stephen Graham lines up for the 2027 Arbor Green Selwyn Stampede Half Marathon, it won’t just be another race.

At 67 years old, the Rolleston event will mark his 100th Half Marathon, a milestone that would have seemed almost impossible when he first started running.

A life-changing decision

Stephen’s running journey began in 2009 when he was 46 years old. At the time, he weighed around 115kg and knew he needed to make a change.

“I was overweight and needed to do something about my health as I approached 50,” he says. “I was also conscious of my stomach size.”

He started by jogging, but the early days were far from easy.

“Twice I nearly gave up,” he admits.

Instead of quitting, he kept going and began entering local 10km races, slowly building confidence and discovering that he actually enjoyed the challenge of running.

Discovering the Half Marathon

After completing several 10km events, Stephen found himself watching friends tackle the Christchurch Marathon Day Half Marathon.

“I noticed friends running the half marathon after I’d finished my 10km, and eventually decided that I’d give one a go.”

His first Half Marathon was a Sri Chinmoy event, consisting of seven laps around South Hagley Park.

“I remember how nervous I was,” he says. “I stuck to the plan of running at my own pace, and I remember how great I felt crossing the finish line.”

That feeling of achievement was enough to keep him coming back.

More than just numbers

Since that first nervous start line, Stephen has completed nearly 100 Half Marathons and 45 full marathons, including the New York Marathon in 2024. He has also enjoyed some remarkable highlights along the way.

Winning the Canterbury Men’s 50+ Half Marathon Championship in 2017 remains one of his proudest competitive achievements, while running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Sydney Half Marathon is a memory he still treasures.

Yet when asked what he is most proud of, Stephen doesn’t talk about medals or personal bests. He talks about helping other runners. During the last two Queenstown Marathons, he chose to give up his own PB opportunities to support struggling runners in the final stages of the race.

“The first time, I had to make an instant decision to stay back and basically walk to the finish with a first-timer who was really struggling,” he says. “Seeing them get to the finish line meant more than my own time.”

Why the Selwyn Stampede?

For such a significant milestone, Stephen wanted an event that felt personal.

“I wanted a flat course close to home in or near Christchurch, mainly so that friends and family could be there, with some participating alongside me,” he explains.

The Selwyn Stampede’s virtually flat 5.25km loop course through Arbor Green was a major drawcard.

“And of course, I wanted a medal,” he laughs, “because I’ll have it engraved for this milestone.”

The event ticked every box.

A meaningful milestone

Reaching 100 Half Marathons is something Stephen has thought carefully about. When he completed his 100th 10km race, he celebrated in style, by running in full cricket gear, complete with pads, gloves, bat, and helmet.

“It was the only way I could score 100 holding a bat!” he jokes.

For his 100th Half Marathon, however, he wanted the occasion to represent something more meaningful.

“I had been considering what theme I would have for my 100th Half,” he says. “Then it came to me: I’ll run it in support of the Rainbow community.”

It’s a fitting reflection of someone who sees running as being about connection and support, not just personal achievement.

Cricket friends joining the challenge

Stephen has spent 20 years coaching women’s cricket at both club and age-group level. While he is now mostly involved through umpiring for the Lancaster Park Social Women’s team, those connections remain strong.

Several of the women from the club are planning to join him at the Selwyn Stampede, including at least one team in the 4 × 5.25km relay, and he hopes one or two may even take on the Half Marathon alongside him.

He is also looking forward to seeing familiar faces from previous Selwyn Stampede events on the start line.

Advice for first-timers

After nearly 100 Half Marathons, Stephen could probably write a book of running advice, but his message for first-time participants is refreshingly simple.

“It’s normal to feel nervous,” he says. “Start slow, run at your own pace, and let most of the others take off in front.”

And one practical tip?

“Definitely take water at the first aid station.”

A story that captures the spirit of the Selwyn Stampede

Stephen’s journey is exactly the kind of story that makes the Selwyn Stampede special.

It’s about someone who started running later in life, nearly quit more than once, and has gone on to achieve something extraordinary through persistence, community, and a willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

When he crosses the finish line of the 2027 Selwyn Stampede Half Marathon, it will be more than just the completion of 21.1 kilometres.

It will represent 18 years of determination, improved health, friendships, connections, countless training runs, and 100 Half Marathon finish lines worth of memories. And perhaps most importantly, it will stand as proof that it is never too late to start.

Stephen’s story is a reminder that the Selwyn Stampede is about more than times and medals. It is about local people setting personal goals, supporting one another, and sharing the journey together.

Whether you’re aiming for your 100th Half Marathon or your very first 5.25km walk, there is a place for everyone on the Selwyn Stampede start line on 21 February 2027.

To join Stephen on his milestone run, click here: https://eventplus.net/SES27

Article added: Friday 07 August 2026