Editorial: Runner inspired many in Rotorua

Rotorua 'marathon man' Colin Smyth has passed away.

There weren't too many dry eyes when local athletics legend Colin Smyth finished the Rotorua Marathon this year.

It was the 50th (official) time around the lake for Mr Smyth, who died on Sunday at the age of 76.

His son told us yesterday his father had defied medical advice in order to walk the 42.2km alongside wife Pat.

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They were joined around the lake by several supporters, many of whom had benefited from Mr Smyth's support over the years.

Such a mammoth effort probably didn't help his failing health, but presumably no one who knew what made the man tick begrudged him the satisfaction of crossing the finish line one final time.

It was an inspirational effort that drew widespread attention, amid talks of world records.

Mr Smyth was widely known and respected within the large Rotorua athletics community. Even non-runners would have heard of his exploits, over the years the name Colin Smyth came to be inextricably linked with the Rotorua Marathon.

He's been gracing the pages of the Rotorua Daily Post around April/May for years, often surrounded by running shoes or marathon T-shirts, but always with good grace and a smile.

He was one of Rotorua's inspirational people. And while next year's marathon won't be the same without him at the start line, his legacy will live on through the runners and walkers he helped train.