If the expected 5000 runners and walkers from at least nine countries and all around New Zealand turn up at Wellington's Westpac Stadium for the 27th annual Wellington marathon, half marathon, 10km and kids' magic mile, it could the capital's biggest marathon event ever.
Established in 1985 by the Wellington
Marathon Clinic, for almost 20 years this race was a popular but modest mid-winter goal attracting less than 1000 entrants. But in 2004 a venue change to Westpac Stadium saw it become the country's fastest-growing marathon event.
"In the last three years we've had entries in the 4000s, so we're hoping the event might crack 5000 for the first time," said race director Sally Anderson.
The combined marathon, half-marathon, 10km and magic mile is defying the financial recession, says Anderson. "Simple and cost-effective activities such as running and walking are enjoying unprecedented growth, so good events haven't been affected by the recession."
In the feature full marathon, five-time winner Grant McLean returns looking for a sixth title. But he faces Christchurch's Dave Ridley and Rick Godfrey, and another former winner in Wellington's Daniel Clendon.
