Athletics: Event ready to go despite quake rejig

The Christchurch earthquake on February 22 has had a significant impact on the organisation of Sunday's Dunedin marathon.

Planning was well advanced for Dunedin's premier running event when the earthquake struck.

The first Rugby World Cup match in Dunedin was not scheduled until the following Wednesday, and the original plans included having the headquarters and half-marathon start at the Caledonian Ground.

The relocation of rugby matches forced organisers of the Moro-sponsored marathon away from the Caledonian Ground, with the first match in Dunedin now the England-Argentina clash the day before the marathon.

The council gave the green light in May for the use of the Otago Polytechnic G Block building on Harbour Tce for race headquarters and half-marathon start, allowing just enough time to finalise entry details.

Marathon director PhilCoakes said it had been a tricky few months but he was grateful to the Dunedin City Council and Rugby World Cup organisers for their assistance.

"While there have been many issues to sort through, it's been encouraging to find that both the DCC and Rugby World Cup organisers have been very helpful and easy to deal with," he said.

"It's going to be a very big weekend in Dunedin and the marathon will give visitors to the city an added opportunity to see the sights."

Coakes attended a public meeting with the Rugby World Cup rights protection group in June and was advised to contact the Ministry of Economic Development over sponsorship arrangements concerning the marathon in or near the "clean zone".

"Thankfully, the Ministry of Economic Development and the rights holders for Rugby World Cup have approved of our need to maintain and foster our ongoing sponsorship arrangements."

Coakes said a positive outcome of the disruption was that the same company would be doing the traffic management for both the marathon and the Rugby World Cup matches.

"What is in place for Saturday's match will be used in part the next day for the marathon," he said.

While entry numbers have been consistent with last year, Coakes said ultimately they may be down a little.

"Should this be the case, it still won't stop us from putting on a first-class event, which will hopefully, give visitors to the city fond memories to take away with them."