Thunderstorms & bouts of heavy rain are cropping up across most of the country, as muggy weather is set to hang around for Auckland Marathon.
Auckland marathon : Cancelation | Road closure
The Harbour Bridge crossing was the brainchild of Rendell McIntosh, a 1974 British Commonwealth Games 400 metres hurdles competitor.
Together with Paul Ryken, as Race Director, they planned and implemented the first event on the 25 October 1992. The initial bridge crossing event attracted over 3,000 entrants, had 500 accredited media and a budget of $450,000.
In September 2006, the Auckland marathon course was officially measured by approved measurer Bob Braid.
This means an athlete’s time over the 2006 marathon course can be recognised to qualify for international events such as the World Championships in Athletics.
Auckland marathon Cancelation
The unsettled weather brought thunderstorm warnings across Southland and forced the postponement of a much-anticipated Six60 concert in Wellington.
In Auckland, marathon runners are in for a rainy race today as a severe weather watch settles in over the city.
Tamaki Makaurau can expect torrential rain for most of the day, with a weather watch in place from 6am to 6pm.
Thunderstorms and bouts of heavy rain are cropping up across most of the country, as mild, muggy weather is set to hang around for most of the week.
As of 9.05pm, there had been 1688 lightning strikes recorded across the country – including 1133 in Southland alone, according to MetService.
A severe thunderstorm warning for Gore and Southland was issued shortly after 5.30pm, as MetService warned of heavy rain, hail and “frequent” lightning across the region.
Road closure
Bad weather leads to road closure before Auckland Marathon, ready to hamper Auckland Marathon.
The best strategy for driving in bad weather is to avoid it. But if going out is necessary or you get caught in bad conditions once you’re already on the road.
Also Marathon organiser Amy MacCormack told the Herald that runners should prepare with warm and wet weather clothing.
“Race organisers are in close liaison with the relevant authorities and will continue to monitor conditions and send the appropriate advice to participants.”
It’s the first time since 2019 that international athletes have been able to compete in the event after border restrictions were lifted this year – but with unfavourable conditions forecast all day it could be a challenging race.
“All in all, it’s not looking too flash and that goes for much of the country,” Pyselman said.
The unsettled conditions are due to a northerly airmass that has settled over Aotearoa bringing the humid, muggy conditions of the past few days.