Runners are pounding the footpaths this morning as part of the Tauranga Half Marathon.

Runners take part in the Tauranga Half Marathon today. Photos by: Cameron Avery.

Today marks one decade of the event gracing Tauranga City's streets, bringing with it a record number of participants keen on being part of history.

In the running stakes, the men's elite half marathon field looks stronger than ever with last year's top two place-getters, locals Kyle and Iain MacDonald, returning.

They will be pushed hard by a number of top performers including Jono Jackson from Auckland, a NZ representative mountain runner and multiple NZ championships medal winner over 10,000m.

Jackson has a best half marathon of 67 minutes – one minute-and-a-half better than the MacDonald twins.

The women's favourites appear to be last year's second place-getter Jess Ruthe who should be challenged by Aucklander Kelly Parlane, a consistent performer at national level distance running events.

As well as the Half Marathon distance, there are also 14km, 7km and one mile (1.7km) options for those seeking a slightly shorter challenge.

The first finishers are expected to cross the line at Fergusson Park about 8.10am. Other events will run throughout the morning, with the final event – the Matua Mile – at 10.30am.