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 is due to take place on Sunday, 2 November 2008.

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. [ [http://www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz/results/archive.asp?results=1936#results Auckland Marathon :: Results Archive :: 1936 Event] ] The race did not become an annual event until the 1960s 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. [ [http://www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz/results/archive.asp?results=1992#results Auckland Marathon :: Results Archive :: 1992 Event] ]

In September 2006, the Auckland marathon course was officially measured by approved measurer Bob Braid. [ [http://subs.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10402435 Athletics: Auckland marathon course measured] , The New Zealand Herald, 22 September, 2006] [ [http://www.athletics.org.nz/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=1171 Auckland marathon course officially measured] ] 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 fastest men's time was set by Dale Warrander, with a time of 2h 17m 43s. [ [http://www.athletics.org.nz/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=1269 Warrander dips under 2h 18m for NZ marathon title] ] The women's category was won by Tracey Clissold in 2h 50m 47s.

The 2007 Auckland Marathon was held on 28 October, 2007. It was won by Matt Smith, finishing with a total time of 2h 20m 41s. The first woman was Ady Ngawati with a time of 2h 49m 05s. [ [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10472544 Smith, Ngawati win Auckland marathon] , The New Zealand Herald, 28 October, 2007]

Notes

External links

* [http://www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz Auckland Marathon Official Site]