The last 100m to the finish line are empty - and even the official race clock has turned itself off.
But word has filtered through from officials that the last of the 785 competitors in yesterday's 2005 Bendon Women's Triathlon is heading for the finish.
Race official Iris Thomas buoys the crowd
gathered at Pilot Bay, announcing on the loudspeaker: "Anna Bolton has spent most of the race on her own but she's determined to finish."
The crowd pushes towards the pipe barriers and roars into life, clapping, whistling and yelling out whoops of encouragement.
The 54-year-old mother of two, from Rotorua, shuffles her way along, spurred by the encouragement of an official running next to her.
Mrs Bolton raises her hands above her head in triumph as she crosses the line.
"That was an amazing feeling," she says, gasping for breath. "It was like being in the Olympics. I feeling great now, like I've really achieved something."
Other woman, young and old are quick to congratulate her on the 400m swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run achievement.
Officials record her race time at 1 hour 43 minutes and 21 hard-fought seconds.
Mrs Bolton's effort is typical for the big Bay event, which has grown in popularity since it began in 1991 and is now one of the biggest women's sporting events in the region.
Race director Ken Knott said for half the entrants, yesterday's event was their first triathlon.
"It's a safe event that is also good for spectators," he says.
Age-group triathletes Cindy Taylor, of Te Puke, and Tauranga's Annie Oliver battled it out for first and second respectively for overall honours.
Miss Taylor blitzed the course in just under 35 minutes and was followed 26 seconds later by Miss Oliver.
Third overall was Gisborne's Amie-Marie Horsfall, who also won the under-20 section.
In the 30-39 division, Tanya Lee-Parker of Rotorua just pipped Te Puke policewoman Deidre Lack.
Women of all ages and abilities competed.
Heather Robinson, of Waihi Beach, took up the sport about 20 years ago and, at 68, plans to do many more.
The grandmother of 11 completed the course in just over an hour to finish third in her age division. "I was a few minutes slower than last year but I think the joints are getting a bit stiffer."
