Latest from Auckland Marathon
Challenges make triumphs sweeter
The New Year is a time for reflection. This year, we met everyday New Zealanders who have suffered heartbreaking moments in their lives.
Marathon win, then dash to birth
Within hours of Stephen Lett winning the Auckland Marathon, his wife, Felicity, gave birth to their first child.
Marathon: Lett's win ends run of seconds
Stephen Lett brushed off his bridesmaid tag as he swept to victory in the ASB Auckland Marathon yesterday.
Alex Robertson: Chatter and laughs quickly change to sucking in air
Last-minute instructions shout above the music across the PA but I just hear the music and the chatter and laughs of the crowd around me.
Dry, cool run for Auckland marathon
Thousands of runners will be reaching for bananas and sausage-sizzles in Victoria Park after crossing the finish line in the Auckland Marathon.
Auckland Marathon highlights
Mr Lett finally secured a win after coming second in last year's Auckland Marathon, last year's Wellington Marathon and the Christchurch Marathon in June. "You have to have a little bit of luck in marathons, who's kind of got it on the day, luckily I had just enough for the last five kilometres and I'm glad it wasn't a kilometre longer," he said.
Marathon ordeal
For many, the moment of deepest despair comes as they turn their backs on the swanky seaside suburb of St Heliers.
Hands On: TomTom Multi-Sport GPS watch
A Christmas gift for triathletes - TomTom's GPS multisport watch for run, cycling and swim tracking.
Marathon: Tears, joy as 10,000 competitors take to the streets
The ride to the start line at 5:30am was sobering and quiet. The smell of vaseline wafting around the crammed bus added to the tension.
Marathon test of fitness draws 17,000
Sophie Wharam will probably do "a bit more training" before she runs another half-marathon.
Auckland Marathon highlights
Sam Wreford of Timaru, won the Men's Auckland Marathon while Kirsten Molloy from Australia, won the Women's Marathon. Photos / Brett Phibbs / Getty Images
Marathon journey for first-timer
Getting to the start line is at least half the battle for any first-time marathon runner. Saatchi Goldwater, a 23-year-old marketing manager who is aiming to complete her first Auckland Marathon tomorrow, knows she wouldn't have got there alone.
A run for your money
To many Kiwis the thought may seem hard to comprehend. In Britain a marathon runner when completing the gruelling challenge is less likely to be asked what time they have taken but more likely how much money they have raised for charity.
Running: Run Walk perfect practice for big race
Runners and walkers of all ages can get off the couch and into the fitness race during the Unitec Run Walk series.
Running: Faster times expected with course change
The adidas Auckland Marathon could be the fastest in many years with the organisers confirming they are working on a proposed course change for this year's event.
Marathon: Athletes running hot
More than 45,000 cheered along the Auckland Marathon in the sunshine yesterday for events ranging from a full 42.2km to a 5km run and walk.
New marathon record set
The Auckland marathon attracted tens of thousands to the central city, with a new women's course record set by a Christchurch woman.