-
12 Nov - 6 Dec 2026$25.00 - $85.00 + BF
What followed was a perfect storm of incompetence, stupidity, betrayal, cheating, wild dogs, and rat poison.
A brass worker from Birmingham, a bricklayer from New York, and a postman from Cuba in dress shoes and woollen trousers are among the hopefuls gathered for a grand new sporting event — the Olympic Marathon. Drawn by the promise of glory, redemption, and a first prize awarded by the First Daughter, Alice Roosevelt, they have no earthly idea what they’ve signed up for.
Marathon tells the story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon, a race so chaotic it nearly killed its contestants — and the event itself — for good.
This is a play about falling short, spectacularly. Marathon finds the comedy and heart in sporting disaster, celebrating the losers, the cheats, and the ones who never made it to the finish line.
Award-winning New Zealand comedian Nic Sampson brings to life the unbelievable true story of one of the strangest sporting events of all time.
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Skip the queue at Citizen Q by booking a table for some pre-show nibbles and drinks.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Q Theatre is a 2-minute walk from Aotea Square and a 16-minute walk from Waitematā Train Station. Being on Queen Street, there are many buses that stop right outside the theatre. If driving, you’ll find the closest option at The Civic Car Park.
More info
He pārongo atu anō