Auckland Marathon
The Auckland Marathon and Half Marathon is an annual marathon running race held in Auckland, New Zealand. The event is held in October, or early November of each year, which is during the spring in New Zealand. The main feature of the event is the crossing of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which involves a climb of 33 metres to the highest point. The 2008 event took place on Sunday, 2 November 2008.
Contents
Course
The course begins in the seaside suburb of Devonport on the North Shore and travels through Takapuna and Northcote before crossing the Harbour Bridge and heading toward the finish at Victoria Park.
While the half marathon runners completed their race in Victoria Park, those competing in the full marathon continue eastward through Viaduct Harbour and along Tamaki drive to the turn-around point at Saint Heliers Bay. The marathon then returns along Tamaki drive and back to Victoria Park.
History
The first Auckland Marathon was held in June 1936, using an Auckland waterfront course.[1] The race did not become an annual event until the 1960s, or possibly until 1949,[2][3] or until 1992 if the Great Northern Marathon (Takanini) events are not regarded as the Auckland Marathon editions of 1989 to 1991,[4] and it was not until October 1992 that the Harbour Bridge crossing was first used, becoming the first sports event to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge.[5]
In September 2006, the Auckland marathon course was officially measured by approved measurer Bob Braid.[6][7] This means an athlete's time over the 2006 marathon course can be recognised to qualify for international events such as the World Championships in Athletics.
The 2006 event was held on 29 October 2006. The first man to finish was Dale Warrander, with a time of 2h 17m 43s.[8] The first woman to finish was Tracey Clissold with a time of 2h 50m 47s.
The 2007 event was held on 28 October 2007. The first man to finish was Matt Smith, with a time of 2h 20m 41s. The first woman to finish was Ady Ngawati with a time of 2h 49m 05s.[9]
The 2008 event was held on 2 November 2008. The first man to finish was Ben Ruthe, with a time of 2h 28m 11s. The first woman to finish was Ady Ngawati, with a time of 2h 46m 47s.[10]
Notes
- ↑ Auckland Marathon :: Results Archive :: 1936 Event
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- ↑ Auckland Marathon :: Results Archive :: 1992 Event
- ↑ Athletics: Auckland marathon course measured, The New Zealand Herald, 22 September 2006
- ↑ Auckland marathon course officially measured
- ↑ Warrander dips under 2h 18m for NZ marathon title
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