She and several other runners requested NZ World Trail Running representative Tim Rabone pace them through to 36.40, at the November 9 event. The pack slowly dwindled away to just Gibbs.
Several times she looked like she was struggling to stay on Rabone's heels before rallying and holding on.
With about eight laps to go the crowd soon realised the world age-group record was possible and came down onto the track to urge her on.
When asked what was in her mind when competing for a world record, Gibbs said, "knowing that a record is close, and possible, is great motivation to dig deepwhen fatigue sets in".
The provisional world record also broke the New Zealand record of 37:22:37, likewise set at Newtown Park.