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Thousands of runners crossed the finish line of the Auckland Marathon on Sunday morning, completing one of the only mass participation events to take place globally.
With marathons and races around the world canceled due to Covid-19, Auckland is rare to be able to host an event of this size.
Changing the alert levels for Covid-19 meant it was difficult to know if the event would go ahead this year, and the recent closure of the Harbor Bridge due to a damaged strut put another question mark on the race.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
A trio of runners from the elite men’s group crossed Auckland’s Harbor Bridge.
But as runners crossed the Harbor Bridge on a bright spring morning, those concerns were forgotten.
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Alice Mason was the first runner to cross the finish line, completing the 42-kilometer course with a time of 02:43:33.
Daniel Jones came first in the men’s category with a time of 02:21:58.
Dave Beeche, managing director of Ironman Oceania which is organizing the event, said this year had been a challenge.
“If Covid wasn’t enough, we also had to deal with the bridge issues.”
But the positive side was the increase in the registration of premises. Typically 8-10 percent of brokers would fly from abroad, but the decline in international brokers had been replaced by domestic demand.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
The Auckland Marathon is known for its scenic route, dominated by Rangitoto.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Runners cross the starting line early Sunday morning.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
After running across the Harbor Bridge, the runners enjoyed the downhill stretch.
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The wheelchair race became a permanent fixture of the marathon last year.
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Almost 14,000 people gathered in Auckland for the 2020 Auckland ASB Marathon.
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The pioneers of the male elite class coming down the Harbor Bridge.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Almost 14,000 people gathered in Auckland for the 2020 Auckland ASB Marathon.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
An early shower at a North Shore refreshment stand.
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An increase in local runners made up for the lack of international competitors.
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The first wheelchair athlete to cross the Harbor Bridge.
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Runners pass through Herne Bay on their way under the Harbor Bridge.
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Runners whizzing through the residential streets of Devonport on the first leg of the race.
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A runner in a wheelchair crosses the Auckland Harbor Bridge.
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It was an early start for the runners starting from Devonport.
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Corridors seen from above.
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No runners were seen exceeding the speed limit of 50 km / h.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Selfies were popular at the top of the bridge after exhausting work.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
While most of the runners opted for sportswear, others opted for costumes.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Fortunately, the broken strut of the Harbor Bridge was fixed in time for the race.
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Jaffa Queen was running her 300th marathon, according to a sign pinned to the back of her skirt.
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Representatives of the Feilding Harriers in disguise.
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One of the only runners still smiling at the turning point 10km from the finish.
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A brave runner decided to run the course in rubber boots.
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The 42 km race took its toll after the finish line.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
Fist bumps and smiles awaited the runners at the finish line.
Chris McKeen / Stuff
And it is the goal! That’s the Auckland Marathon for one more year.
