Dust off the quake blues

They're back this weekend after two years - two great Christchurch institutions.

The Crusaders return home on Saturday night at the new Christchurch stadium, and on Sunday morning it's The Star City2Surf again, also home after a two-year absence and following a Heathcote River course this time instead of the traditional Avon route.

Thousands of Christchurch families who keenly missed the South Island's most popular fun run last year when the earthquake made it impossible to stage can't wait to be on the start line at Centennial Park on Sunday.

And if you haven't entered yet, it's not too late.

Our graphic (above) lists all the places where you can enter.

Late registrations can be made on the day at Pioneer Stadium for the full City2Surf or at Opawa School for the 6km, and facilities will be available for cash or Eftpos payment.

However, it's better to get in now.

"We've had a lot of feedback from fun runners about this year's new route, and following the Heathcote River means it's a very lovely and scenic course," said the general manager of The Star, Steve McCaughan.

"It's not often Christchurch people can walk nearly the whole length of river, and that's great considering the state of our city at present."

Many people have told him they were excited to have such an iconic Christchurch event back.

"It's our 38th year and 37th City2Surf, and the team at The Star was determined to get it off the ground again for the people of Christchurch. We know how many missed it last year.

"Our City2Surf gives them a goal of activity and fun for them and their families, and gets some sort of normality back into our lives with a regular event again."

Your City2Surf entry sticker also gets you into Ferrymead Heritage Park free on Sunday, so after you've enjoyed the fun run and the great entertainments afterwards, you can spend the afternoon there.

"You can make a whole day of it," said Mr McCaughan. "Do the run, enjoy fun and entertainment at the end, and then move to the park in the afternoon."

Stick around after you finish the run - there are great prizes to win including a Jetstar trip to Sydney for two, a 3D television and eight DVD players from Smiths City, and hundreds of spot prizes. And every finisher gets a complementary bottle of Pump or Powerade and a finisher certificate.

There will be lots of drink stations and toilets along the course.

And if you've registered for the fun run on-line, remember to pick up your entry pack at The Star, 12 Venture Place, before 5pm Friday. Otherwise both 14km and 6km entrants have to pick them up at Centennial Park on Sunday morning.