Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon committee chairwoman Maria Sleeman was astonished when she checked entries at the weekend, discovering more than 130 last-minute entries for the event’s various races, with the total number of competitors topping 1850 and still rising.
As of Monday, there were 197 full marathon runners, 720 half marathon runners, 102 half marathon walkers, 390 runners and 223 walkers in the 10km event, and 222 runners in the 5km event.
"I was really surprised and also delighted — it’s unprecedented to get so many entries in the last week before the event," Sleeman said.
"It’s very exciting."
Online entries closed at midnight on Tuesday, but competitors could still enter by coming to the race headquarters at the Sargood Centre, Logan Park, on Friday and Saturday. No entries or changes would be accepted on Sunday’s race day.
Extra race numbers had already been printed, but no more could be created due to the need to incorporate
RFID electronic timing chips, so there might need to be
some juggling among race sections, she said.
"It’s a great problem to have though, and so long as the athletes remember to wear their race numbers on their front so their time is recorded, everything will be fine."
Hundreds of volunteers will be lending their support to the event, including the race committee, race referees and marshalls on the course, volunteers at race headquarters and at the finish line, drink stations, medical support, announcers, the after-race carnival and more.
"It takes a huge volunteer effort to hold such a huge event, and we thank everyone for their support," Sleeman said.
The fantastic response to the event had given the hard-working members of the Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon organising committee a boost, after two years of frustration during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The committee comprised Cheryl Kelly, David Stott, Stu McCormack, Gordon Wong, Ian McDonald, Brian Watkins, Ken Fahey, Blair Martin, Lauren Parker, Hayley Sleeman, Andrea Warburton, Ken Pullar, Wendy Crawford, Tracy Dowling, Malcolm Giles and Mary Fahey.
"I want to say a special thank you to these committee members, who have worked incredibly hard in a challenging year," she said.
After the pandemic forced the cancellation of the flagship Caversham Harrier & Athletic Club event in 2020, two attempts were made to hold it last year, but lockdowns and restrictions made it impossible.
"This time, we are all go, with new routes and a fantastic new sponsor in Emerson’s — it’s very exciting," Sleeman said.
"It’s going to be great for our competitors, as the new routes take in much more of Otago Harbour than in the past, and are more straight forward."
Race headquarters at the Sargood Centre will be a hive of industry, with competitors able to pick up race packs on Friday, from 5pm-7pm, and Saturday, from 10am-4pm, as well as making last-minute entries.
Buses will be available to take full marathon competitors to the start at Portobello, departing the Sargood Centre at 6.30am and 6.45am.
The half marathon run and walk, 10km run and walk, and 5km run competitors will all start at the Caledonian Ground, beginning at 9am.
A village feel will greet competitors and supporters at the finish line, at Emerson’s Brewery, with food and drink from local vendors, relaxation area, children’s activities, music, 60 prize packs and spot prizes.
Prizegiving will be held at 2pm, and the music will continue at Emerson’s from 3pm.
"There will be a really nice vibe at Emerson’s after the race, which will be a lovely way to celebrate the return of the event."
Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon Spot Prize Sponsors:
Begg Security, Bikes 4 Life, Frames Footwear, Unipol Gym, Sky Fit Gym, Headquarters, Moana Pool, Health 2000, EnviroWaste, University Bookshop, Bivouac/Outdoor, Repco, LEAP, Megazone, Monarch Wildlife Cruises, Albatross Colony, Starbucks, Ironic Cafe, Wet and Forget, Tailwind Nutrition, Inspiring Women (Gym), Hunting & Fishing, Countdown, Port to Port Cruises, Dunedin Ice Stadium, My Ride Dunedin, Thermatech, Shoe Clinic, Brooks Shoes, Larnach Castle, Body Synergy.
