Run the Auckland Marathon... or watch the Rugby World Cup final?

Some tough decisions for the thousands of professional and amateur runners who usually take part in the country's biggest road race.

This year's event clashes with the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham, which kicks off at 5am on Sunday the first of November.

That's the same time as tens of thousands of competitors are making their way to the start line in Auckland.

The Hits' host Paul Flynn was all set to enter the Half Marathon, but news of the rugby clash has put paid to that.

"Unbelievable. The whole time I thought I was going to do the Auckland half, and I really enjoy it, but I think it's just one of the biggest scheduling balls up in New Zealand history. It's just unreal."

Paul Flynn is a dead-keen runner, and was all set to enter, until he heard the news.

"There's absolutely no way on this earth I will be running in the Auckland half marathon if the Rugby World Cup final is on. I wouldn't respect any New Zealander who did run in it if they cared about the All Blacks."