After switching away from a traditional Easter date to the end of September, the number of visiting competitors for tomorrow's Manx Mountain Marathon are well down.
However, the event has been boosted by a record number of local runners.
The race starts at 7.30am from Market Square in Ramsey and ends, via the peaks of the island, in Port Erin - a distance of 31.5 miles.
After a wet summer and the downpours earlier this week, conditions are expected to be very heavy.
Tony Rowley of the organisers admits numbers have taken a hit with the change of date:-
Snooker: Defending champions Blinders beaten on opening day
Powerlifting: IoM takes another impressive commonwealth medal haul
Cycling: Lizzie Holden extends contract with UAE Team ADQ
Boxing: Mathew Rennie announces date of next bout
