Milestones set at marathon

ELATED: Colin and Pat Smyth celebrate the finish with Dennis and Pam Kenny. PHOTO/www.Marathon-Photos.com

This year's 51st Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon was a milestone event for many, from original runner Colin Smyth to those defying disabilities to get to the start line.

The event on Saturday was the first for Achilles NZ's Rotorua branch, enabling people with a variety of disabilities to complete any of the events from the 5.5km walk to the marathon.

Mr Smyth knocked off his 50th official Rotorua Marathon, and his last. A lung condition has slowed him down.

He said he was overwhelmed by how many people were out to send him on his way - he had an extra early 6am start - and by how many people were around the course and a guard of honour at the end.

"It was emotional in places, very emotional at the end," he said yesterday.

"I didn't expect that crowd. There was even a crowd out at Vaughan Rd. It was definitely a memorable finish."

His wife, Pat, was with him the entire way, clocking up her 21st finish, and he said having a group of walkers with him around the course helped in other ways.

"The girls dragged me through the hills, one on each arm. Normally I get a rest going up the hills but they said I'd get a rest at the top.

"They helped me keep my mind on the road."

The Smyths finished in 11h 4m, eight-and-a-half hours slower than Mr Smyth's personal best of 2h 35m in 1966.

It's believed Mr Smyth's 50 consecutive finishes at the same marathon may be a world record, as of Saturday that was still to be verified.

Achilles NZ has recently started training in Rotorua. It has about 10 people competing with guides.

"They all did extremely well," said Rotorua co-ordinator Glennys Kereopa.

"It was the first time for our Rotorua walker Tom Tuki. He has a sight impairment and did the 5.5km. He was really pleased and said he would be entering the 10km in Taupo. We have quite a few who want to go further.

"It's amazing some of the disabilities that people have yet they push themselves and achieve what they do.

"We had one guy who is riddled with arthritis and has to use a wheelchair but he was on cloud nine after walking 5.5km. It's a neat achievement.

"We hope we can attract a lot more people to events like this."

Blind runner Hannah Pascoe, who was guided by Rachel Grunwell and Greg Boyed, ran her third marathon in 4h 57m.

About 5000 people completed the events.