Hawke’s Bay Marathon: Stalwarts set to run in 10th straight event

Roanna Vining is back for another Hawke's Bay Marathon. Photo / Sportograf

Some people consider running a marathon a one-and-done thing.

But 14 keen – some might say masochistic – marathoners keep returning to the limestone tracks of Hawke’s Bay for more.

May 16 is the 10th running of the Asics Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon, which loops from Napier’s Anderson Park along Marine Parade to the finish line at Elephant Hill Estate and Winery at Te Awanga.

This year, the 10km run that goes alongside it starts at Clive. There is also a half-marathon course.

The event brings in thousands of new participants annually, but a core group of 14 runners has run each race since its inception in 2016.

One of these is Hawke’s Bay resident Sharon Spencer.

She was motivated to enter the first event as a one-off but got hooked on the sense of achievement she felt crossing the finish line.

“It was on my bucket list to do a half-marathon and challenge myself – one only,” she said.

Since then, she has completed full marathons too. Each year, she tells family and friends it will be her last time.

“[They] laugh and say ‘Yeah, right.’

“It gets a little addictive.”

Sharon Spencer crossing the finish line at the Hawke's Bay Marathon. Photo / Sportograf

Spencer’s goal in each marathon is to run all the way to the finish.

So far, she has achieved this despite not being the fastest runner.

“Entering just keeps me motivated to keep running and challenging myself.”

Roanna Vining is another set to complete her 14th run.

She said the marathon had evolved into a world-class event that attracted runners from around the country and overseas.

“To enjoy the peaceful scenery of limestone trails next to the ocean with a few thousand people in May, I think sums up why Hawke’s Bay is such a special place to run.”

She called the event a real “community run”.

“You can’t run one kilometre without seeing friends along the way.”

More than 75% of participants in this year’s race are expected to come from outside the region, and organisers said the event is expected to bring in $7.5 million to the local economy.

Elephant Hill Winery and Estate at Te Awanga is the finish line of the Asics Runaway Hawke's Bay Marathon. Photo / Graeme Murray

Vining said Elephant Hill worked so well as a finishing line and had a great atmosphere.

Registrations are still open for the marathon, with more information found on the event’s website.