'Marathon' getaway run exhausts alleged robber

An alleged bank robber dubbed "Marathon Man" has been taken to hospital complaining of exhaustion after running from police for half-an-hour.

Police allege the man handed a threatening note to a NZ Post teller on Mt Eden's Dominion Rd, in Auckland, this morning.

Inspector Ian Brooker said the man - labelled Marathon Man by police - was chased from the post shop and at one point boarded a bus.

The police helicopter followed the man until police were able to catch up to him at a Sandringham Rd property about half-an-hour after the robbery, Mr Brooker said.

He said police had to suspend questioning of the man after he complained of exhaustion and was taken to Auckland City Hospital for a precautionary check-up.

- NZHERALD STAFF