"There were about 1100 marathon runners, and 1200 entered the half running and walking. 200 people were from overseas, we had 37 runners from Japan and 26 from Australia. Twenty-two countries were represented."
Mr Addison said Japan would be going home happy, with Saeki Makino taking home the men's marathon top place and women's marathon gold going to Yuki Ogawa.
"The weather couldn't have been better, even though some runners early on found it a bit chilly, it meant it was not too hot later."
He said some people would be feeling reasonably uncomfortable at present, but in a few hours they would be glowing in their achievements.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick was at the finish line, and returned for the prizegiving at 5pm.
"Conditions are perfect. What a day, it's a fabulous local event."
Mrs Chadwick was impressed by the men's marathon winner, Saeki Makino, who finished strongly.
"He just streaked in, like a comet on fire. But everyone has done amazing, and there are so many kids out there."
Kiwi and international competitors alike praised the race organisers and the terrific weather conditions.
Reporoa woman Sarah Martelli, who was raising money on a Givealittle page for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation due to her own cancer journey, said her half-marathon race was good, but she did struggle.
"I'm pleased it's over. The last 5km or so was not easy. I had to dig deep and push through. I just thought about all the people who supported me and wished me good luck."
Mrs Martelli said she did the course in 2hr 24m.
"It wasn't about the time, it was the fact I was able to run it at all."
It was a "lovely day" for fellow locals Maureen Rolfe, 69, and Robyn Bishop, 74.
They walked the half-marathon, with Mrs Rolfe wearing a T-shirt in memory of Rotorua Marathon icon Colin Smyth who passed away in 2015 at the age of 76.
"His wife Pat is doing the full marathon with her grandson."
Volunteer Diane Barrett-Kendall was at the finish line.
"I've done it a couple of times because I was a runner for years. It's just nice to help out...we make sure they're ok, remind them to put on warm clothes, whatever is necessary to make sure they are fine."
Local Russel Dale was one of the bike escorts provided for the leading three men and three women.
"It's my third time helping. Rotorua has turned on a brilliant day."
Out in Ngongotaha, locals cheered on competitors as they went through.
Having found a spot at the Ngongotaha shops, Lisa Bidois said she came down every year and had been since she was a child.
