More than 800 runners and walkers took part in the marathon in 2019. Photo / Lewis Gardner
More than 800 runners and walkers took part in the marathon in 2019. Photo / Lewis Gardner
The Pak'nSave Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon has been confirmed for December 12.
The marathon, which starts at Pākaitore Moutoa Gardens, takes participants along the banks of the Whanganui River and across the Cobham, City and Dublin St bridges, before finishing in Pākaitore Moutoa Gardens.
For a full marathon, competitors mustcomplete four laps of the course, with options also available for half and quarter marathons for walkers and runners. There will also be a relay, a fun run and a kids' fun run.
Organiser Rob Conder said it would be the 16th year the marathon had been held, and he was been pleased with how the event had "grown and evolved".
"The marathon is going from strength to strength, and we've seen steady growth in the number of entrants, especially over the past five years," Conder said.
"In 2018 the course was officially certified, which means our marathon and half marathon can now be used as an official time for any events requiring a qualifying time."
Whanganui & Partners was a major sponsor of the event, Conder said, and their involvement had "helped the marathon grow".
"The support from Whanganui & Partners helped us increase our marketing and reach a bigger audience.
"We're expecting over a thousand competitors this year, with around 500 coming from out of town."
Whanganui & Partners' Jonathon Sykes said the 3 Bridges Marathon was "unique" and had potential to draw visitors to Whanganui, a major reason why the economic development agency supported events.
"The course is a unique location for a marathon, and it's great to have an event showcasing both the river as well as the strong sporting tradition in Whanganui," Sykes said.
"By attracting visitors, events provide an immediate boost to our economy through added spending on accommodation, hospitality and retail.
"There's also a longer term impact, with people who come here for an event often becoming repeat visitors or even residents."
The Pak'nSave Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon will be held on December 12. Register at whanganuithreebridges.co.nz. Early bird prices are available until October 31.
