Huge turnout for Rotorua Marathon

The Rotorua Marathon was a huge success.

The Rotorua Marathon had the biggest turnout in its 50-year history, injecting $15 million in the Rotorua economy throughout the weekend.

It was foggy and chilly Saturday morning with a temperature of just 5C as more than 9000 competitors, wrapped in thick winter coats and woolly hats, made their way to the start line next to the Government Gardens and Energy Events Centre.

The competitors hailing from 21 different countries and cities across New Zealand were supported by a crowd of more than 20,000 people. Those supporters brave enough to take their hands out of their warm pockets held up signs with words of encouragement and waved to their friends and family as they crossed the start line, following the start gun and the release of 50 golden balloons.

Event Promotions general manager Murray Fleming said it was record turnout, with about 4600 competitors taking part in the full marathon, 3000 in the half and 1400 in the quarter or 5.5km run or walk.

He said while the 25th Rotorua Marathon saw more people competing in the full marathon, this year had the largest number of participants across all events and the biggest crowd.

"It's a spectacular success," he said.

"It's fantastic to see the achievement of those taking part, from the elite to those just new to it. And having so many people here to support them and cheer them on, that's really special."

The first full marathon competitor to cross the finish line, in a speedy 2 hours and 27 minutes, was Masataka Uchino from Japan, closely followed by Nelson's Phil Costley who finished just two minutes later.

The fastest female marathon runner was Tauranga's Sally Gibbs, who won the women's title ahead of fellow Tauranga athlete Jess Ruthe.

The crowd cheered loudly as they sprinted across the finish line.

Mr Fleming said the crowd and the 600 volunteers spread across the course played a key role in keeping competitors motivated and energised, which was important.

He said the feedback he had received from volunteers, supporters and competitors was incredibly positive, with a lot of them saying it was better than any sporting event they had ever been to.

"The Rotorua Marathon really is something unique. We're certain it's going to have a long and successful life. It'll no doubt be around in another 50 years time."

He said this year's marathon was expected to have injected $15m in the Rotorua economy.