Tauranga City in spring is a stunning backdrop for runners and walkers taking part in the 2022 Shoe Science Tauranga Marathon this Sunday.

The event footprint has moved this year, with courses contained on the Tauranga side of the harbour bridge.

There are race options for everyone from 2km to 50km, with no age restrictions for the 10km Classic or the 5km Fun Run & Walk. The 2km Kids' Dash is for children aged three-10.

The 50km Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km Classic all start at Maxwells Rd, Otūmoetai and take in the Daisy Hardwick Trail. The 50km Ultra includes an initial 7.8km out-and-back towards Fergusson Park before turning at the start line and following the main marathon course.

The 5km Fun Run & Walk and the 2km Kids' Dash both start next to the Hairy Maclary statue. The 5km Fun Run & Walk loops over the harbour bridge through the Tauranga Bridge Marina and back to the finish line on The Strand, while the 2km Kids' Dash is two loops along the waterfront before finishing at the same finish line.

With everyone finishing right in the heart of downtown Tauranga, Running Events, Shoe Science Tauranga Crossing and the city of Tauranga expect the event on Sunday, September 18, should prove to be an unforgettable experience for runners, walkers, dashers and spectators alike.

Roads are likely to be busier than usual and drivers should expect some delays.

Traffic management for the Tauranga Marathon in the morning, and Bunning Warehouse NPC in the afternoon will be in place as follows.

Lane closures:

Southbound lane of Dive Crescent from 3am – 3pm
Cameron Road (northbound) between Harrington St and Brown St (Domain Side) from 7am - 4pm
Maxwells Road (seaward lane) between Chapel Street and Pillans Point School from 5am – 3pm

Road closures:

The Strand (between Devonport Road and Dive Crescent) from 3am – 5pm
McLean Street (between Cameron Road to The Strand) from 5am – 3pm
Hamilton Street (between Willow Street and The Strand) from 3am – 5pm
Chapel Street Off-Ramp (Takitimu Drive) from 7.30am – 2pm
Maxwells Road (between Chapel Street and Harbour Drive) from 5am – 2pm
Harbour Drive (between Maxwells Road and Kulim Avenue) from 5am – 2pm
Tilby Drive (within Fergusson Park) from 6am – 1pm.