The two have dominated the men’s race over the past two years.
Manderson, 32, a self-employed carpet layer, finished second to Galloway in 2023 but won last year in a personal best time of 2hr 32min 11sec.
That relegated Galloway to the second step on the podium, and Manderson’s time established a record for the modified course.
Manderson is hoping for the stars to align for him leading into tomorrow’s showdown.
"Work’s been pretty busy, and running even busier," he said.
"The year’s just flying by. But I’m looking forward to a wee bit of a getaway."
One concern for Manderson leading into the race is that he has had persistent problems with his chest following what he thinks may be a hangover from having Covid midway through last year.
"Hopefully it will play the game on the day. You’ve just got to truck along and get through it."
Manderson was in two minds as to whether to compete in the Dunedin marathon this year.
But he has been encouraged by Nelson locals and running mates from around the country, including Westport runner Steve Gibson, who was fourth last year.
Galloway, too, has been a source of inspiration, and the pair had a 25m training run together around Hagley Park a couple of weeks ago.
"Hopefully we can do the same this weekend: run together, settle on a good pace, enjoy the race, have a few yarns along the way and duke it out at the end."
Manderson said he was targeting a time of about 2hr 30min, while Galloway said he was hoping 2hr 27min might be on the cards.
They will likely face challenges from Welshman Sam Joseph and local Dan Hayman, and it is expected the race for the open men’s title will feature no-nonsense pace up front.
After finishing runner-up to three-time champion Jonah Smith in 2022, Galloway, 32, a Christchurch-based sports and facilities co-ordinator, got the better of Manderson in the final stretch to win the 2023 marathon in 2hr 34min 31sec.
This year, Galloway comes into the race hoping to push superstitions aside and make his 13th marathon a lucky one.
A string of recent successes have followed his third place in the Christchurch marathon in April, in which he clocked a personal best time of 2hr 27min 50sec in an event that doubled as the New Zealand championship.
"I won my first national medal in that," he said, after being promoted to the silver medal position in the national event as the runner who finished second was unregistered.
Over recent months, Galloway’s times in middle distance have been pleasing, and on current form he could well better his Christchurch time in Dunedin.
Getting away to a good clip with Manderson is part of the plan tomorrow.
"We’re cut from the same cloth, I think. We have a nice, good, friendly rivalry."
While it could be argued the Dunedin women’s marathon field remains wide open, it would come as no surprise to see five-time champion Mel Aitken (Leith) and Auckland’s Billie Haresnape taking control up front.
Aitken needs no introduction to distance racing both locally and nationally, while Haresnape also commands respect.
Finishing second to Aitken last year, Haresnape comes into the event with knowledge she gained from the course and on the back of winning the Rotorua marathon in May.
Aitken will have dual roles this weekend as not only is she one of the early favourites to lift the women’s crown, she will be fulfilling the role as the event’s ambassador.
That is deserved recognition for the Dunedin marathon’s most successful athlete.
By Wayne Parsons
