Rotorua Marathon: City ready for 50th marathon

Lake City Athletic runner Kyle Hetherington, 8, wants to one day join the thousands of people who run the Rotorua Marathon. Photo / Stephen Parker

This weekend's Rotorua Marathon is set to be one of the biggest in its 50-year history.

With about 9000 competitors, 25,000 spectators and 500 volunteers expected to turn out to the annual event around Lake Rotorua tomorrow, organisers have been rushed off their feet.

Event Promotions marketing manager Charlotte Pearson said organisers had been blown away by the interest shown in this year's event, which is the 50th edition of the race.

She said of the 8600 competitors entered across all events so far, including the marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon and kids' marathon, 4475 would take on the gruelling 42.2km full marathon.

She said it had attracted entrants from across New Zealand and the world.

Hundreds of volunteers have been working around the clock this week and many of them would spend tomorrow handing out the 170,000 cups of water available at the various drink stations around the course or the 10,000 bottles of Powerade at the finish line.

There was a lot to prepare, Ms Pearson said.

She encouraged people to go along and support those taking on the challenge and said the best spots to do so were along Arawa St or Fairy Spring Rd for the first half of the race, and from the airport along Te Ngae and Vaughan Rds for the second half. Hinemaru St and Queens Dr would be the best place for spectators to see competitors cross the finish line.

Ms Pearson said she recommended spectators stay off the roads especially around Hamurana Rd and Mourea.

"I think people should be a part of Rotorua's history by getting amongst the 50th Rotorua Marathon," she said.

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

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. Hinemaru St from Amohau Rd to the Government Gardens entrance is expected to be closed from 7.45am to 5.30pm.

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.

Details

What: 50th Rotorua Marathon.
Where: Around Lake Rotorua.
When:Tomorrow from 8am to about 5.30pm.
Cost: Free to watch

*For more information visit www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz