Despite more than a fair share of disruption over the past six months, another record field in the full section has thrilled organisers of tomorrow's Dunedin marathon.
The past decade has seen huge interest in the Moro-sponsored event, with overall numbers nearing 2500.
Due to a number of factors coming into play this year surrounding the Canterbury earthquake, the new stadium and the Rugby World Cup, organisers were budgeting on a slight decline in numbers, but they have been pleasantly surprised.
While the number of competitors in the half marathon remains consistent with last year, it is the interest in the full marathon that has taken off.
Numbers in the full marathon section, until recent years, were struggling to gather any momentum, attracting between just 80 and 100 competitors, forcing it to be carried financially by the associated half marathon sections.
This had organisers pondering its future viability.
But a sudden surge in interest, for arguably one of the most scenic runs of its kind in the world, over the past two years has seen the size of the field triple.
Numbers this year have already exceeded the record 239 who took on the 42.2km journey around Otago Harbour from Harington Point to Port Chalmers last year.
With late entries possible until 4pm today, this number could swell considerably.
"Numbers for the full marathon are very pleasing," entry steward Maria Sleeman said.
"Interest has taken off, especially with the record attempts from the Canterbury boys over recent years."
An early favourite in the open men's section is last year's runner-up Will Smith but there is no obvious favourite in the open women's section, with this year's champion likely to come in under the radar.
Marathon centurions Michael Stewart (Wellington) and Ingrid Frost (Auckland) are again competing.
While Stewart finished mid-field last year, Frost finished second in the open women's section in a time of 3hr 16min 30sec, and is among those expected to feature again this year.
There is once again a huge interest from overseas competitors spread over both distances. But a lot of interest will centre on the race for the open men's half-marathon title between local champions Daniel Balchin, Tony Payne and Callan Moody.
The trio have formed the backbone of Otago cross-country and road teams over recent months and the finishing order will surely promote bragging rights between the three.
Another in the mix is triathlete Oska Inkster-Baynes (Wanaka).
The open women's title in the half marathon will be just as keenly contested, with local hopefuls Samantha Kingsford and Louisa Andrew set to mix it up with the Auckland pair of Michelle Hopkins and Tracey Johns.
The marathon begins at Harington Point at 8am, following the harbour basin all the way round to Port Chalmers.
The half marathon starts in Forth St, opposite Otago Polytechnic G block, at 9.30am, taking a course through the Botanic Gardens and university area before heading toward the road overbridge south of the railway station and joining up with the marathon course.
The first marathon runners are expected at the finish on Watson Park around 10.30am, followed soon after by the leaders in the half marathon.
• Full results, coverage and pictures in Monday's Otago Daily Times.
Dunedin marathon
Tomorrow
• 8.30am: Marathon starts at Harington Point.
• 9.30am: Half marathon starts in Forth St.
• 10.30am: Leading runners expected to finish at Watson Park.
