Last year’s race drew more than 3600 participants, a record for the long-running fixture.
As the race grows in popularity, managing participant flow while keeping everyone safe is a key concern.
Race director Becs Adlam said it was investigating the possibility of closing a stretch of Portobello Rd from Glenfalloch Gardens to Shore St, across the Andersons Bay Inlet causeway.
The plan is to close that road from about 6am to 11am on race day, Sunday, September 14.
However, Portobello Rd would still admit emergency vehicles and buses.
Peninsula access would remain via Highcliff Rd.
If the closure went ahead, residents along the route would be warned well in advance, likely through a letterbox drop, Ms Adlam said.
Last year, half the road was closed, but rising entrant numbers have prompted organisers to look at seeking a full closure in both directions to improve flow.
‘‘Because of our increasing numbers, we have always got to look at safety first,’’ Ms Adlam said.
Marketing manager Stu McCormack said closing the road entirely made far more sense.
A previous headache was half-marathon runners who headed a few kilometres along Portobello Rd before turning around.
‘‘I think what the issue really comes down to is the fact that ‘out and back’ confuses people.
‘‘They have to go to the turn around and they are running back, but they are running back into the people who are trying to get to the turnaround.’’
A full closure would allow runners to be more spaced apart along that section.
‘‘It just opens up the space for all those runners to do what they need to do,’’ Mr McCormack said.
Regarding Te Aka O ¯ ta ¯kou (The Otago Vine), shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, organisers asked users to be mindful of race participants.
They encouraged cyclists, runners and walkers to head out later in the day for a quieter and less congested experience.
The proposals aimed to ensure everyone enjoyed a safe and successful marathon, Ms Adlam said.
A key reason for the suggested changes was rising entry numbers, in particular when it came to those deciding to take part in the full marathon.
Last year, full-marathon entries jumped from about 280 to more than 400, and organisers expect at least as many again this year.
It could be runners were enjoying progressing from shorter to longer routes. It was pleasing that people were taking advantage of the opportunity to reach new milestones as well as gain health benefits, Ms Adlam said.
Both organisers thanked local businesses and community groups for their support.
‘‘They like being part of something which is such a feelgood and community-based event,’’ Mr McCormack said.
The marathon’s popularity continues to soar.
Registrations for this year have already topped 1600, similar to this point last year.
There is ample time left to enter, and organisers believe last year’s record 3600 finishers could be surpassed. Î Visit dunedinmarathon.co.nz for registration and entry.
