The fourth edition of the popular trail run which spans 32km will be held today in Stewart Island, attracting 250 runners from across the country to the event.
Despite the wet weather across Southland, Rakiura Challenge organiser Chris Cox said yesterday he did not believe it would affect the event.
"Weather on the course, is actually not a huge problem — we don't have rivers to cross, we're not on the high tops of mountains.
"The course is very sheltered by the bush.
"The only potential issue is the track could get quite boggy, but it has been checked and surprisingly, it has been drying out quite well.
The only point of apprehension for them was to get the runners and volunteers across the island, he said.
"The planes are flying this morning and I know the ferries had to reschedule some of their sailings just around the tides and the weather.
"We don't have any major concerns, but we are aware of it and we're monitoring it."
A team of 100 volunteers were expected to help with the event and teams would be ready for any emergencies.
"It's possible that someone might twist it — but we're all prepared for that.
"We've got teams on our marshall stations all around the course.
"We've actually got a team available if we need to carry someone out.
"Most of the track is accessible — well at least half the route is accessible by water taxi, apart from the section which traverses the section across land between Port William and North Harbour Park."
He was excited with the event and believed it would be another success as the event had become quite popular — especially for tourists who use it as an excuse to visit the island.
"I think 99% of the field are [made up of people] from the mainland, and then people coming from as far as Auckland.
"It's just one of those events I think that appeals to people.
"I'm finding that trail running events or events of this type are becoming very popular around the country and along with that, you've got the unique experience of coming down to Stewart Island.
"A lot of people in New Zealand have never been to Stewart Island, so it is a great opportunity for them."
