In the first three days of competition – scoring was cancelled on two days because of storms – Jan Voegli from the USA took the lead in the long-distance flying event, with German Claus Vischer hot on his tail.

Organiser and local pilot Godfrey Wenness said the pilots had flown nearly 300km already and the six-point difference represented just 30m, which is less than a second of flying.

They are among about 90 pilots from 14 countries competing in the event, which is the premier international marathon paragliding event.

Competition continues today and tomorrow, with a recreational free-flying day on Sunday.

Despite the stormy weather, Mr Wenness said the competition had gone well so far.

There had been no accidents and lots of spectators, he said.

There has also been a friendly camaraderie among the competitors, which is something Mr Wenness has been trying to promote.

While numbers were a little down on previous years because of the strong Australian dollar, the event still represented a significant economic boost.

About 150 people, including support crews, have come to Manilla for the event, which Mr Wenness said could add between $200,000 and $250,000 to the local economy.