For Shanks (32), of Dunedin, the new date just was not workable as it was too close to another event he was running in.
“It’s not ideal. I was really looking forward to it. It’s a little bit gutting,’’ he said.
The new date was also only a fortnight before the Queenstown Marathon, which might not work for runners planning to race in both, he said.
After taking the step of signing up for his first marathon, he was going to roll his entry over to the 2022 event.
“It is what it is.’’
Another Dunedin runner having to adjust her plans was Lucia Vincent (38), who had also entered to run the full marathon.
It was a case of deja vu for her, as the Ironman event she was due to run in at the start of the year was postponed about two weeks out, as well.
But she believed the organisers had made the right call.
“I think most people will be really understanding, given the situation,’’ she said.
“It’s much better than not having it at all, or running the risk of spreading Covid.’’
Race committee chairwoman Maria Sleeman was pleased to have a new date finalised.
The event going ahead in November was reliant on being in Alert Level 1, otherwise it would have to be cancelled, she said.
Picking a new date had its challenges, as it had to fit in with other running events around the country and upcoming events in Dunedin.
“It would be such a shame for everybody that’s entered and that’s training to miss out.”
If the event proceeds and the alternative date does not work for people they will be eligible to receive a 75% refund or they can transfer their entry to the 2022 event.
