Opinion: Marathon finish line a sight to behold

More than 3000 people laced up their sneakers and took to the streets on Saturday for the 53rd Rotorua Marathon.

The finish line at any marathon is a sight to behold and the 53rd Rotorua Marathon proved no different.

I've covered my fair share of Rotorua Marathons since starting at the Rotorua Daily Post and watching the athletes cross the finish line never fails to make my eyes prick with tears and send shivers down my spine.

I take my hat off to anyone who commits to taking part in a marathon - whether it's the full 42.2km, the half, the quarter or the 5.5km - the beauty of the Rotorua Marathon is that it's an event anyone can aspire to be a part of.

Personally I could think of nothing worse than running all that way, but the pride and joy on the faces of those crossing the line outside the Rotorua Energy Events Centre is enough to make me want to try.

More than 3000 people laced up their sneakers and took to the streets on Saturday with the buzz around town almost tangible.

Rotorua came to the party with stunning weather, despite a chilly start and, in another feature iconic to the event, athletes were sent off to the sound of Te Arawa kapa haka performers.

By the end, participants were hugging, high fiving and even dancing over the finish line to the cheers of spectators.

It's an iconic event many - if not all - locals have fond memories of, whether they are of taking part or cheering on the runners from the sidelines.

In the lead up to the marathon, the Rotorua Daily Post talked to countless people with inspiring tales about why they were taking part.

From Sarah Martelli, who was raising money for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation due to her own cancer journey, to Ross Steele who this year ran his 100th marathon.

These stories only add to the inspiring atmosphere of the Rotorua Marathon.

To those who competed, congratulations on doing something many of us only dream of, and to those who cheered from the sidelines, your unwavering support does not go unnoticed.