And they’re off...

REPORT: ANI NGAWHIKA / PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN
REPORT: ANI NGAWHIKA / PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN
Enthusiastically setting off in the Dunedin half-marathon yesterday from the Caledonian Ground are (from left) Tom Christie, Lucy Buckeridge, Sinead Cooper and Samantha Smith.

They were among 2615 entrants in this year’s Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon, breaking the record of participants set in 2009.

Event chairwoman Maria Sleeman said she was "really pleased" with the number of entries and the "great response and support from people".

The event included a 5km, 10km, half-marathon and full marathon with the option of running or walking.

The half-marathon had the largest number of participants, nearly half of all entrants opting for that race.

"People enjoyed it. We changed the finish line to the Ward St ramp so people could get a really good view of everyone finishing, which was really excellent.

"The place was humming in the Emerson’s carpark. It was very, very busy."

The overcast day brought perfect running conditions for contestants, one contestant even managed to complete the marathon dressed as a crate of beer, she said.

Ms Sleeman was overjoyed by the turnout and the positive atmosphere.

"The highlight for me is the numbers and the nice vibe. Everyone’s out there enjoying themselves, having a great time, being part of it, that sort of thing.

"A lot of people I spoke to were very pleased with their times that they did as well." 

 

 

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