Traffic and competitor safety concerns have forced changes to the cycling and running routes originally planned for the Oamaru triathlon and duathlon yomorrow.
The Oamaru Multisport Club, which expects up to 200 competitors to turn out, wanted to make it more of a spectacle and planned to run the cycling and running legs back along Thames St.
However, event organiser Adair Craik said the club did not realise how difficult it would be to stop traffic at four traffic lights along Thames St to let cyclists and runners through.
"We weren't sure traffic would stop for competitors when it was a green light. We didn't want to take the risk of an accident," she said.
She had seen similar events run in other centres through traffic lights, but was not confident it would work in Oamaru.
Now, the bike course will run from Marine Parade, into Tyne St and down to the end of Humber St and return along the same route.
That would actually be better for spectators, who would be able to see cyclists completing the circuit.
The change to the running course will result in the entire run being held in the Oamaru Harbour area, instead of following Humber and Thames Sts.
Instead, runners will complete circuits from the Oamaru Rowing Club north along the harbour cycle trail, across the old railway bridge then return on the same route to the rowing club and around to the Oamaru Penguin Colony.
