Interest high for the Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon in New Zealand on Saturday 30 April.

With six weeks to go to the 2011 Rotorua Marathon there have been a considerable number of entries already received for the iconic event.

For the first time a half marathon event has been added giving runners the opportunity to enjoy the scenic route over the second half of the course around the Lake.

Race director Murray Fleming said that he is encouraged by the interest already shown for the 47th annual Lion Foundation race on Saturday 30 April.
“Entries are tracking well, higher at this stage than any other event that I have promoted,” said Fleming.
“We expect to have over 4500 in total, and 1500 in the half marathon.
“The late entry fee kicks in on 17 April so to save $15 it would pay to enter now,” he added.

“We expect the usual entries from overseas runners and we have a group of 10 marathon runners coming as a team from New Caledonia. They are using the Rotorua event to qualify for the Pacific Games in Noumea on 10 September. We are also expecting 150 from the Auckland YMCA Club.”

Dale Warrander from the Gold Coast, who won for the fourth time last year to equal Jack Foster as the only four time winners of the marathon, will be competing again and should go head to head with twice winner Scott Winton of Auckland.

After winning Auckland’s Round the Bays fun run last week Winton said that it was a good hit out for the Rotorua Marathon.
“It was a good bit of speed work,” said Winton.

“I see that Dale Warrander is coming, so hopefully if I can get into some good shape I might be able to give him a bit of a run for his money — Maybe,” he added.

To enter go to the Rotorua Marathon website:  www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz

Murray Fleming
Race Director
Ph: 07 348 3301
murray@eventpromotions.co.nz