Half Marathon: Record numbers to start big race

Three of the favourites for Sunday's main events on the start line of the 2014 event, left to right, Iain MacDonald, Jess Ruthe and Kyle MacDonald.

This Sunday's Tauranga Half Marathon is set to be a record-breaker with more than 1100 competitors expected to toe the start line.

Last year's event featured just under 1000 competitors.

The men's elite half marathon field looks stronger than ever with last year's top two place-getters in Tauranga twins, Kyle and Iain MacDonald, returning. They will be pushed hard by a number of top performers including Jono Jackson from Auckland, a New Zealand representative mountain runner and multiple NZ championships medal winner over 10,000m. Jackson has a best half marathon of 67 minutes - a minute-and-a-half better than the MacDonald twins.

The women's favourite is last year's second place-getter Jess Ruthe from Tauranga, who is likely to be challenged by Aucklander Kelly Parlane, who is a consistent performer at national level distance running events.

As well as the Half Marathon distance, there are also 14km, 7km and mile (1.7km) options for those seeking a slightly shorter challenge.

The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary and race director Luke Garea puts its growing popularity down to the increased focus on attracting runners and walkers from outside the Bay of Plenty.

"We have specifically focused on the Waikato and Auckland regions, and focus very hard on providing a quality event, a good course and great experience."

With fine weather forecast for Sunday, conditions look ideal for the 7am Half Marathon start.

The first finishers are expected to cross the finish line at Fergusson Park about 8.10am. The other events are run throughout the morning with the Matua Mile the final event at 10.30am.

Entries for all distances remain open online until 5pm Friday, or can be done at Bayfair Shopping Centre on Saturday from 10am till 6pm. Visit taurangahalfmarathon.co.nz.