Record numbers to run Tauranga Half Marathon

UNLUCKY: Last year's winner Ben Ruthe has withdrawn through injury. PHOTO: FILE

The 12th running of the Tauranga Half Marathon is set to attract up to 1000 participants and much-improved weather conditions early on Sunday morning.

Race director Luke Garea says an increase in elite runners using the event to prepare for the World Masters Games in Auckland will not just boost numbers but means the course record should get a real scare.

"Entries keep coming in from people who are outside the region and a common theme why is this is the last preparation before the Master's Games," Garea said.

"I expect we might see a course record on Sunday. The record of 1hr 10.07min may be in danger."

In the women's race, Jess Ruthe will be back this year in an attempt to regain the half-marathon crown she last won in 2015.

The men's elite half-marathon field looks as strong as ever with well-known and nationally ranked local Kyle MacDonald looking like the man to beat in the absence of defending champion Ben Ruthe who is out through injury.

Garea puts the continuing popularity of the Tauranga Half Marathon down to the focus on providing a quality event with scenic courses across distances suitable for all abilities.

"A good course and a great experience are what we deliver. The event is becoming very well-known, and we continue to get great feedback from participants.

"We get under way at 7am, and it is usually nice and cool. Over the last five or six years, it has been almost a perfect running temperature. I love the early start time and coming straight after daylight saving everyone is ready for it."

On Sunday a new 10km distance will be run for the first time. The course has been designed to be flat, fast and picturesque, hugging the Tauranga coastline.

"It is ideal for those runners or walkers looking for a fast time, or simply as a satisfying jog or walk along the waterfront," Garea said.

"There was demand for a 10k option. It is a very common distance at a lot of events that people want to test themselves against so we came up with a good 10k course.

"Hopefully we will see some fast times on it. There will be a wide range of athletes from the fast ones at the front right through to the 10k walkers. It is an achievable distance for everyone."

As well as the half marathon and 10k distances, there are also 15km, 5km and mile (1.7km) options for those seeking a slightly shorter challenge.

With cloudy periods forecast for Sunday, conditions look good for the 7am half-marathon start. The first finishers are expected to cross the finish line at Matua's Fergusson Park about 8.10am. The other events run throughout the morning with the Matua Mile the final event at 10.30am.

The various course routes pass through the downtown area and back to Fergusson Park.

Road closures are in place from 6am to 9.30am in Hamilton St from Willow St to The Strand, as well as The Strand from Harington St to Devonport Rd and Devonport Rd from the Strand to Elizabeth St.