Cirque du Sore Legs, Jelly Legs and Speedy Gonzales are just some of the fun nicknames that competitors will be wearing on their personalised bibs for the Garmin Tauranga Marathon on Saturday.

With a fine day and light breeze forecast, Tauranga is turning on perfect running weather for the hundreds of walkers, runners and dashers who will be out competing in the full distance and shorter distance events.

With the 2km, 5km, 10km, 21km and the full 42.2km premier race, there is something for everyone. There are no age restrictions for the three shorter races, but racers need to be 14 years and over for the 21km, or at least 18 years for the full marathon event.

The longer events will begin earlier in the day, with the marathon and half marathon starting at 9.10am from Papamoa Beach Rd, heading along the coastal road to the Mount, around Mauao's base track, and over the bridge to Tauranga. The full marathon then extends along the harbour to Fergusson Park, back around the Waikareao Boardwalk track and into downtown Tauranga.

The 10km classic which begins at 8.45am in Harbour Drive will take runners and walkers around the Waikareao Boardwalk track and straight into the Tauranga CBD. The 5km fun run leaves from the Tauranga Harbour Marina at 8.45am, heads over the harbour bridge and along to the finish line. The kids dash at 2.30pm starts right next to that cheeky ragamuffin, Hairy Maclary and comprises two 1km loops with the final section a super-fun, super-breathless dash down The Strand to the finish line and that finisher medal.

All races finish up at the same finish line on The Strand in downtown Tauranga, a perfect place to rest and celebrate afterwards.

One of NZ's top city marathons, this popular event showcases some of the best of the city of Tauranga, with the highlights being Papamoa's ocean beach, the stunning base track around Mauao, the broad sweep of the harbour bridge and the beauty of the Waikaraeao Estuary loop. Finally of course, there is the thrilling city centre finish in the heart of the cafes, bars and restaurants in the downtown shopping area.

There will be spot prizes and trophies, and the grand prize of a big screen TV, but also everyone who finishes the Tauranga Marathon – irrespective of distance – will receive an exclusive commemorative medal.

Road Closures:

Motorists can expect delays and detours around Tauranga this weekend as the 2019 Garmin Tauranga Marathon takes place.The final marathon entrants are expected to finish at 4.10pm.

'To help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all athletes, spectators and other road users, the following road closures will be in place," says a marathon spokesperson. "While we must maintain access for residents, we can only do this when it is deemed safe to do so.

'You may be asked to wait for a short amount of time until there is a safe opportunity. We urge you to plan ahead, take alternative routes if possible and use extra caution when coming out of your driveway.

'We appreciate your patience during this time and will do all we can to reduce any impact on your access.”

The road closures are as follows:

The Strand – Harrington Street to Devonport Road – 5am to 10pm

Wharf Street – Willow Street to The Strand – 5am to 10pm

McLean Street – Willow Street to Dive Cres – 5am to 5pm.

Papamoa Beach Road – Pacific View Road to Hartford Ave – 7.30am – 11am.

Nikau Cr – 6am to 2pm.

Rata Street – Totara St to Nikau Cr – 6am to 2pm.

Harbour Dr – Bureta Road to Kulim Ave – 8am to 10am

Bureta Road – Ngatai Road to Kulim Ave – 7am to 5pm.

Tainui St – 9am to 3pm.

Lane Closures: ocean side:

Papamoa Beach Road – Hartford Ave to Oceanbeach Road – 6am to 11.30am

Oceanbeach Road – 6am to 12pm.

Marine Parade incl. Adams Ave – 6am to 2pm.

The Mall incl. Salisbury Street – 8am to 2pm.

Totara St – Rata St to Hull Road – Mount Maunganui bound – 8am to 2pm.

Dive Cres – Marsh St to The Strand – 8am to 2pm.

For a map view of the road closures, click here