Veteran runner Midge Oliver has missed only two May 24 Marathon Derby races since women were first allowed to compete back in 1976.

So there was no way the 58-year-old was not going to join the party for the famous event's 100th year anniversary.

"The 100th year race will be a great occasion and I'm looking forward to it," said Oliver.

"It's the people that make the race so special, there's always a wonderful atmosphere. That's why so many people have come out to race on Monday."

Oliver has competed in more Marathon Derby races than any other female (30 in all), although she says that was never her intention.

"I just kept entering the race because I enjoyed it so much and the years seem to have mounted up," she said.

"I never wanted a record or anything and it's no big deal really. My first one was back in 1978 and my husband, Bob, also ran in 28 consecutive May 24 marathons."

The King Edward VII Hospital nurse says her running peak was back in 1984 and concedes putting in the mileage to prepare for the race is not getting any easier.

"I'm not sure how many more I'll do. I must admit training has been difficult this year and my husband had to keep on hounding me out the door.

"I think I ran one hour, 34 minutes back in 1984 and that was my best time.

"When you're not running well sometimes you feel like the finishing line will never come and I just hope to complete it this year. I feel very fortunate to have done so many and have some great memories."

Oliver, also a keen tennis player, is expected to be one of as many as 1200 competitors who will gather on the start line for Monday's centennial event.

Former female winners Jane Christie, who triumphed in 1983 and 1998, and Maria Conroy Haydon, who won in 1995, are among those who will take part.

Final registration last night saw a number of late entries with the full list to be published in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.

Several changes have been made to the original entry list which appeared in a Royal Gazette supplement yesterday.