“We’ve had numerous people ringing up after the entries have closed, trying to get entries,” said race co-organiser Rob Conder.
Limited entries will be available with applicable late fees at race packet pick up on Saturday evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm in the Pak’nSave underground carpark.
Racing will kick off on Sunday at 6am with the full marathon, followed by the half at 8am for walkers, 8.30am for runners, the 5km team relay at 9am, quarter marathon at 10am, and 5km race at 11am, and will end after the kids’ 1.2km race at 12.30pm.
Prizegiving will be held at 1.30pm in Kowhai Park.
This year’s race will have medals across all events, which Conder said was an upgrade from past years.
He said 150 entrants were registered for the full marathon, 350 in the half-marathon, 400 in the quarter marathon, 300 in the 5km individual race, 150 in the kids’ race and between 20 and 25 teams were registered for the 5km team relay.
Within the 1200 entrants, including some from overseas, there are several of note.
Decorated Whanganui runner Sally Gibbs, who last year broke the 5000m World Masters W60 record, after already holding the 10,000m record for her age group, is registered to race in the half-marathon this Sunday.
Tom Francis, a Whanganui runner and builder, is a favourite for the full marathon with the fastest predicted time.
Several Royal New Zealand Air Force and emergency service members will be participating across the events.
For one athlete, this weekend will mark their 200th marathon.
“It’s basically all walks of life,” Conder said.
Proceeds from the race will go towards the Whanganui Harrier Club.
“What’s special about it is it’s still a club-organised event,” Conder said.
This year’s course will start and finish at Kowhai Park for the second year in a row.
It will circumnavigate the Awa in a roughly 10km loop – crossing at the Dublin St Bridge, passing by the City Bridge, and crossing again at the Cobham Bridge.
“Few little undulations and sharp turns … but other than that it’s a nice flying course.”
Regardless of what goals each competitor may have, from personal bests to medaling, “everyone has fun, and it is an enjoyable day”.
Food trucks will be available offering ice cream, pizza, coffee, and other treats, along with a charity sausage sizzle put on by Whanganui Vet Services.
Conder has asked the public to support, be aware and avoid the walkways if they can during racing.
