Shore's marathon man revives event

The North Shore Marathon takes place against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Photo / Scottie T Photography

‘People’s race’ has gone from strength to strength after 30-year interval

Dion Jelley was the man to bring the North Shore Marathon to life.

The 33-year-old, who is a former elite runner, grew up north of the bridge and has a passion for running events on the Shore like few others.

Jelley, in his competitive days, attended a number of World Duathlon Championships with a best placing of 12th in the 25-29 group at the 2005 World Champs in Australia.

He revived the North Shore Marathon in 2011 - more than 30 years after the final Calliope Reidbuilt Homes Marathon (1965-78) which used to start on Wairau Rd and go around Lake Pupuke six times.

Jelley dared to dream of an event that would be known as "New Zealand's most scenic Marathon and Half Marathon".

In the past three years the race has gone from strength to strength.

The 2013 North Shore Marathon sold out and was a finalist for the Event of the Year at the Harbour Sport Excellence Awards.

It is expected to sell out again with around 2000 athletes of all abilities expected to take part in the North Shore Marathon next weekend.

Jelley said they don't have many elites racing as the run has largely been promoted as the race of the people.

"The men's fastest time [for the marathon] is just under three hours, which really shows how much it is focused just on having fun and enjoying the scenery," he said.

The course is based on a 21.1km circuit which starts on Takapuna Beach -- the sight of the sun rising above Rangitoto in the backdrop is the beautiful calm before the storm.

Runners make their way down to Devonport via Narrowneck Beach and Cheltenham Beach. The toughest part of the run comes when the runners weave up the historic North Head. It is the signature stretch of the race as the 1km circuit uses the DoC Tunnels Loop and showcases some of Auckland's best views.

After the descent, runners return to Takapuna and on to a loop around Milford before heading back to Takapuna Beach to finish on Gould Reserve.

There are many incentives for runners to keep coming back to the North Shore Marathon. Runners who return every year for five years will become a member of the Golden Shoes Survivor Club and earn priority entry and a special bib number.

Jelley, who was trained by former Olympic coach Jack Ralston when he was competing, had good advice for those taking on the marathon distance for the first time.

"Have fun, it is really that simple. If you're not enjoying it or not getting a rush when you cross the finish line having completed a great personal goal, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons.

"Take it slow to begin with. That doesn't just mean the first 5km, it means the first 25 to 30km. The real race starts over the last 10km and you need to have plenty left in the tank both physically and mentally."

Marathon facts
North Shore Marathon
When: Sunday, September 7
Where: The race headquarters at Gould Reserve, Takapuna Beach
Event options: Full marathon, half marathon, 5km fun run or walk and kids 2km beach run
More information: www.northshoremarathon.co.nz