Dunedin Marathon chairwoman Maria Sleeman is thrilled that the event, which incorporates the full marathon, half marathon run and walk, 10km run and walk and 5km run or walk, has received the highest number of entries in the event’s history — more than 2588 people.
As of Tuesday, there were 384 registered competitors in the full marathon, 1017 in the half marathon run, 130 in the half marathon walk, 459 in the 10km run, 221 in the 10km walk, and 377 in the 5km run or walk.
"It’s just fantastic to have so many people signed up to take part — and the entries are still coming in," Ms Sleeman said.
Dunedin Marathon race director Becs Adlam said the record numbers were very exciting, and that having so much interest in the event was great for Dunedin.
"It shows the strength of the team we have organising and running the event."
Of the entries so far, 25% were from outside Dunedin, and 68% of competitors were tackling the Dunedin Marathon event for the first time.
Dunedin Marathon organising committee member Stu McCormack was delighted that so many people were going to step up and give the event a go for the first time.
The event’s umbrella organisation, Caversham Harrier & Athletic Club, ran the race with the aim of encouraging people to take up running as a good form of exercise.
"We can feel very proud that we are definitely achieving that," Mr McCormack said.
Ms Adlam said safety was paramount throughout the event, with Hato Hone St John and volunteers on-hand to provide healthcare across the course.
Marshalls would also be providing encouragement and keeping an eye on competitors’ health and safety.
"We are really looking forward to celebrating with everyone at the finish line."
- Dunedin’s unique team of canine superstars will be celebrated and supported during the Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon.
K9 Medical Detection NZ, which has a team of eight highly-trained and trainee cancer detection dogs, is the official charity for the marathon event.
During the event, representatives of K9 Medical Detection NZ (K9MD) will be collecting for the charity, and competitors are also being urged to give online.
Those using event car parking at Logan Park High School and off Harbour Tce in Logan Park will be asked for a gold coin donation to support the remarkable work of K9MD.
EMERSON’S DUNEDIN MARATHON — KEY POINTS
Race information
Race pack pick-up and late entries are available at the Sargood Centre, 40 Logan Park Dr, on Friday, from 4.30pm-7pm, Saturday, from 9am-3.30pm, and Sunday from 6am until race start.
Race timetable
6am: Sargood Centre opens.
6.15am: First bus leaves for the full marathon start at Portobello Recreation Reserve.
6.30am: Last bus leaves for Portobello.
7.30am: Full marathon starts at Portobello.
9am: Half marathon run starts on the Caledonian Track, Logan Park.
9.15am: Half marathon walk starts on the Caledonian Track.
9.40am: 10km run and walk starts on the Caledonian Track.
9.55am: 5km fun run and walk starts on the Caledonian Track.
Prizegiving
The prizegiving will be held at Emerson’s from 2pm, with formal prizes, followed by 40 spot prize giveaways.
