Rotorua Marathon 2014: Live coverage

Thousands have turned out to the Rotorua Marathon.

Thousands are gearing up for the 50th Rotorua Marathon. Rotorua Daily Post reporter Adriana Weber and sports reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine will be reporting live from the start and finish line, bringing you all of the action.

8am:

It's chilly, foggy morning, but that isn't enough stop thousands of people from turning out to support those taking part in the 50th Rotorua Marathon.

More than 9,000 competitors are lining up at the start line next to the Government Gardens and Energy Events Centre ready to take on either the marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon or 5km event.

And the canon goes off. Those competing in the half marathon have crossed the start line to the cheers of the crowd.

8.20am:

The starting gun, with a booming noise enough to knock the coffee out off your hands, goes off. The big event, the full marathon, is now underway with about 5000 taking part. The crowd cheers and waves as their friends and family cross the start line.

8.35am:

The quarter marathon and 5km event has just started, with people dressed up in all colours crossing the start line.

One team, from business Aqua Plus, is dressed up in blue, with blue wigs, T-shirts and glittering pom poms.

Of member of the team of five, Trish Berry, said a fellow workmate had inspired them into taking part in the quarter marathon walk together.

They had done little training, but Ms Berry was certain it would be "a breeze".

She said she was blown away by the size of the crowd, and has never seen anything like it.

9am:
It's slowly warming up and the crowd is shedding their scarves, coats and gloves as they make their way back to their cars or to the Event's Centre and wait for competitors to complete the course.

10:45am: The first full marathon runners are crossing the finish line.

In first place is Masataka Uchino from Japan with a time of 2 hours and 27 minutes, closely followed by Phil Costley who crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours and 29 minutes.

Tony Payne from Auckland has landed third place at 2 hours 30 minutes.

The first female full marathon runner has crossed the finish line. 50-year-old Sally Gibbs is this year's fastest female marathon runner.

The second fastest female is Jessica Ruthe followed by Katie Kempt.

11.45am:

Full marathon runners and walkers are crossing the finish line, along with those running the half marathon. The crowd is yelling words of encouragement to those nearing the line.

Tweets about "rotorua marathon"