Marathon day for spectators

You can still get involved in this year's Rotorua Marathon. Photo / File

The city comes alive tomorrow with runners and walkers taking on a round trip of Lake Rotorua for the 51st annual Rotorua Marathon.

As well as the flagship event, there are many activities on offer for those who think 42km is just a little too far.

Runners and walkers can also participate in the 5.5km, quarter marathon (10km) and half marathon (21km) races.

Entries in all events can still be made from 6.30am at event headquarters, though you had better get in quick as the first race of the day starts at 8am.

If you want to be a part of the event without getting a sweat up, there are plenty of vantage points around the course.

Organisers say the best spots are along Arawa St or Fairy Springs Rd for the first half of the race, and from the airport along Te Ngae and Vaughan roads for the second half. Hinemaru St and Queens Dr would be the best place for spectators to see competitors cross the finish line.

Several roads will close for the event, with Queens Dr from Princes Gate to the Energy Events Centre closed most of the day.

Supporters are urged not to try to follow runners around the course due to congestion and the road closure around the back of the lake.

Parts of Arawa St, Fenton St, Ranolf St, Parks Rd and Lake Rd will be closed from 7.45am to 10am, with Hamurana Rd from corner of Unsworth Rd to the junction of State Highway 33 closed from about 9am to 1.30pm. Arawa St from Fenton St to Hinemaru St is likely to be closed from 11.30am to 5.30pm (one lane only).

Hinemaru St from Amohau Rd to the Government Gardens entrance is expected to be closed from 7.45am to 5.30pm. Vaughan Rd from Te Ngae to Tennyson Ave (lakeside only ) will also be closed from 8am to 4pm.

The half marathon begins at 8am, the full at 8.20am for runners and 8.35am for walkers.

The quarter marathon starts at 8.50am and the 5.5km starts at 9am. The expo is open to all visitors from 6.30am to 5pm.

For more information about the event visit the website www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz.

Details
What: Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon
Where: Around Lake Rotorua, starts Energy Events Centre
When: Tomorrow from 8am to about 5.30pm.
How much: Free to watch. Races from $45.