There is a saying at the Rotorua Marathon - the first runner over the Mourea hills is not necessarily the first at the finish.

The city comes alive tomorrow with runners and walkers taking on a round trip of Lake Rotorua for the 51st annual Rotorua Marathon.

While reigning champion Masataka Uchino is not returning to defend his Rotorua Marathon title tomorrow, another Japanese runner will take his place.

Rotorua driver Ant Pedersen will race at Bathurst for the V8 Supercar endurance races again this year for Super Black Racing, the team has confirmed.

Two former heavyweights of Bay of Plenty club rugby are set to make their return to the Baywide premier grade.

A week that began with Aaron Cruden being ruled out for the rest of the season ended in much more positive fashion for the Chiefs.

It was 30 years ago when Trevor Wright won the Rotorua Marathon - a feat his daughter and son-in-law will try to repeat next weekend.

Ngongotaha AFC will get their Chatham Cup campaign under way on Anzac Day, as they look to repeat their success from last season.