Linda Hall: Marathon and mums keep region pumping

Children run in the Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon.

What an incredibly busy weekend in Hawke's Bay.

By all accounts the second Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon was a huge success, with thousands of competitors and supporters pouring into the region.

Not only does our wonderful Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust benefit from this event (it is the official charity) but so do businesses throughout the Bay.

Supermarkets were packed, eateries and bars were packed and accommodation was near full.

The Farmers' Market in Hasting also enjoyed a busy day yesterday with people flocking to the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds to sample some of the region's fare.

Competing in a marathon or half marathon is no longer just for elite athletes. In fact it appears to be on a lot of people's bucket list.

It's great motivation to get out with your friends and train in the months leading up to the event. It's not all about competing though, there were plenty of people dressed up and their sole purpose was having fun.

Saturday's 3km kids race option also attracted lots of entries which is fantastic. So not only is it good for our economy, it's good for your health.

Congratulations to the organisers and all the volunteers who help to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Then yesterday it seems everyone was keen to spoil their mums with restaurants and cafes packed again.

If you didn't book you were probably out of luck.

The sun was out on another perfect autumn Hawke's Bay day and in true spirit of what Mother's Day is all about families were out in force. What a great place we live in.