Marathon showing promise for Bay

Almost 5000 competitors have registered for the Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon.

Runners from throughout the country and overseas have wasted no time in entering next month's Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon.

Almost 5000 competitors have registered for the inaugural event.

They and a further 7000 supporters are expected to descend upon Napier ahead of the race, on May 14, which finishes at Sileni Estates Winery.

Athletes will take part in a variety of events including the Kids Run, AIA 10km Run, NZ Sotheby's Realty Half Marathon and the full Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay Marathon. All events are on Saturday May 14.

Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace said 76 per cent of entries came from out of the region and 240 entrants were coming from overseas. Sixty-five per cent of the entrants are female.

The event is run by Ironman Oceania who also deliver the Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon.

Ironman Oceania Managing Director Dave Beeche said the response to the launch was "off the charts".

"There is no doubt that the excitement around the very first Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay Marathon is down to the destination itself, with the event set to wind its way through wineries, bike trails, orchards and olive groves, all on beautiful hard packed trails that make the running easier on the feet just as the views and surrounds will be easy on the eye and mind.

"The finish line at Sileni Estates Winery is then something else and truly a great way to approach the end of the event.

"The competitors will wind their way up the amazing entrance to Sileni, running into an amazing food and wine festival that shows off the best of the region for both supporters and the competitors themselves who I'm sure will have earned a glass or two of the world class wine that is produced in Hawke's Bay."