Weather conditions could well be the topic on everyone’s lips heading into Saturday’s Manx Mountain Marathon and Half-Mountain Marathon.

High winds and rain showers are forecast, but hopefully the worst will arrive late afternoon.

The full-distance 50km event, sponsored by Capital International, starts from Market Square, Ramsey at 8am, with the large field of 186 first faced with the awesome ascent of North Barrule. Next on the menu is Clagh Ouyr, Snaefell, Beinn-y-Phott, Carraghan, Colden and Greeba.

The southern half is also covered by a similar field of 177 in the Apollo Blinds half-event (22km), with the latter getting underway at 1pm from the DEFA gardens opposite the sawmill, a short distance from St John’s football pitch (registration from 11.45am to 12.45pm).

Slieau Whallian provides a tough start to the second half (and the half-marathon), followed by South Barrule, Cronk-ny-Arrey-Laa, the tricky Sloc descent and the awesome final ascent of Fleshwick to the finish outside Bradda Glen Gardens restaurant and cafe on the outskirts of Port Erin.

The likely favourites in the full marathon are likely to include 2025 winner Tom Felton-Smith, Orran Smith, Neil Brogan, Nick Bowden, Liam Parker, Tom Cringle, Dan Richmond, Matt Callister and Gary Kelly. Katherine Cubbon and Caroline Caren are likely to feature strongly in the women’s event, but there is a whole host of visiting runners travelling over for both events.

Multiple former women’s race winner over the full course, Nikki Arthur is tackling the Half Mountain Marathon this year, and she could well feature strongly overall along with Nick Colburn, Harry Kneen, Phil Knox, Jackie Lee and Eleanor Miklos.

A strong headwind over the peaks is likely to affect overall times, but the leaders in the main event are expected to reach St John’s before midday and the finish at Bradda before 1.30pm. Alterations to the route in the latter stages may be necessary, so follow Manx Fell Runners website and Facebook page.