It has been an enormous week for Christchurch residents and emergency services.Thank you to everyone who has been working tirelessly to contain the Port Hills fires, and protect people and property.

Announcement - Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember

Christchurch City Council has withdrawn the approval for the Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember to proceed this weekend due to the fires in the Port Hills.

There is currently an exclusion zone for the firefighting helicopters along the scheduled route for the run and fire fighters are expected to be committed through to at least Saturday at this stage.The event course is part of the route providing critical access for emergency services fighting the fires.

Victoria Park, Harry Ell Track, and Summit Road are currently closed to the public with the fire currently right below these areas, which are used for this event.These factors have made it impossible to deliver the Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember on Sunday 19 February 2017. The event has been cancelled, and participants are entitled to a refund of their registration fee (please see details below).Participants would also be at risk of smoke inhalation; the Canterbury District Health Board issued this warning on Tuesday:Health Warning Over Port Hills FiresEach year, this event has been made possible through the generosity of our sponsors and event partners, in particular Mitre 10 MEGA and New Zealand Red Cross. We acknowledge the support of all of our partners and appreciate their commitment to an event that means so much to our region.

Important Details for Entrants - Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember

If you have entered the 2017 Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember, you are entitled to a refund of your registration fee.Those who have entered have two options:1. You may claim your refund by e-mailing Sport Canterbury with your registration number - accounts@sportcanterbury.org.nzIn the subject line, please note: "Run to Remember Refund."2. You may transfer your registration fee into a donation to New Zealand Red Cross, by simply e-mailing Sport Canterbury with your registration number - accounts@sportcanterbury.org.nzIn the subject line, please note: "NZ Red Cross Donation."Please note: Merchandise purchases cannot be refunded as they are made to order. Merchandise may be picked up from Sport Canterbury, 1B Brynley Street, Hornby, from Monday 20 February.

Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember

This annual event has always provided an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, for our community to come together.Each year holds special meaning, and 2017 is no exception.A Civic Memorial Service will be held at the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial (Oi Manawa) in our central city on Wednesday 22 February.More Information - Civic Memorial Service - 22 FebruaryPlease follow Christchurch City Council's web site for updates on the Port Hills fires.Please follow Mitre 10 MEGA - A Run to Remember on facebook