Mr Longman believed the event appealed because of its non-competitive nature and the fact that it took full advantage of all that Hawke's Bay has to offer.
"Those pathways are just beautiful, it's virtually traffic free and it's got a nice, relaxed atmosphere."
It was hoped a fundraising target of $20,000 would be reached and distributed to various charities supported by the Rotary.
For John Shergold, Country2Coast was another step toward recovery after falling 4 metres from a roof on to his head, smashing "every bone" on his left hand side about a year ago.
"I'm just trying to get myself back in shape.
"I just wanted to do it. I needed to do it," he said.
While many participants entered to get fit and enjoy the scenery, others such as husband and wife Mike and Vikki Bond, added personality in fancy dress.
Mr Bond, who crossed the finish line just one minute later than last year, completed the 15km run wearing an overweight Easter bunny costume, with a sign on the back that read: "Warning! Easter eggs make you fat".
"It was certainly a hot 15km but it's for a good cause," he said. "We don't take ourselves too seriously".
Wife Vikki was recovering from arm surgery and completed the 7km walk in a "Doughnut Police" outfit from their dress-up box at home, while dog Taegon donned a bandanna.
"We just like making people smile," she said.
Sister duo Tracey and Sally Crowther planned for months to tackle the 7km walk but were almost let down when Tracey got a stomach bug three days beforehand.
With one sibling based in Waipukurau and the other making a special trip from Palmerston North, they decided to go ahead anyway, dressed in ladybug and Angry Bird costumes.
See full list of results at country2coast.co.nz
