Marathon record looming

SET TO GO: Diane Hay, one of the organisers, beside the Wanganui 3 Bridges Marathon course. The forecast for tomorrow is brighter than it has been all week - mainly fine with a high of 20C.PHOTO/LEWIS GARDNER 111214WCLGWALKERS

The record for the Wanganui 3 Bridges Marathon "could be given a fright" tomorrow with the class of entries competing, says one of the organisers.

Wanganui Harrier Club member and organiser Diane Hay said the record time for the four-lap course is 2h 45m.

There is a significant overseas contingent competing in the race including two runners from Malaysia, one from Brunei, two from the Netherlands and three from Britain.

There is also a large team from the Auckland YMCA coming down, many with times in the late two hours-early three hours for the distance.

Wanganui is now part of a series of six marathon events round the country, with the first two held this year in Auckland and Queenstown.

The 3 Bridges includes a three-quarter and half marathon as well as a 5km and 10-km run. Events are also open to walkers.

Entries are flooding in which could see more than 700 people on the riverside course. Earlier this week 310 people had entered compared to 140 at the same stage last year. In 2013 there were 640 entries and organisers expect with entries taken up to 30 minutes before the event starts, that number may be beaten.

The event's major sponsor is Property Brokers.

People who wish to enter can go to wanganuiharrierclub.co.nz or enter on the day at least 30 minutes before the start.