A late bloomer of sorts, Thorne's running career started in his 60s.
Still upbeat about his first half marathon experience all those years ago, Thorne admits the candle still burns bright for hitting the ground running.
"The first was run from the old meatworks in Kioreroa Rd," he said.
"It seemed a long way at the time but from there we ran out to Tamaterau, to the big old tree there, then back again."
Completing his 50th marathon late last year, Thorne said he hopes to remain a runner, especially after a doctor told him not to run anymore after a knee replacement nine years ago.
Running a personal best of 3hrs, 18 minutes and 38 seconds in the marathon discipline at his peak, a 21km stride through Whangarei shouldn't be too much for the defiant Thorne tomorrow.
This year's ACC Whangarei Half Marathon will start and finish at the Town Basin with the half marathon course including the Kotuitui Whiti pedestrian bridge and the Te Matau a Pohe bridge, before heading out to Onerahi via the Waimahanga Track before returning to the finish line at the Canopy Bridge
The 9km track for runners and walkers is also a popular route, starting at the Canopy Bridge, crossing Riverside Drive and heading towards the Hatea River track along to Whareora and Paranui Valley Rds, returning through Mair Park to the start/finish line at the Canopy Bridge.
Timing chips will be used for the 9km event for the first time so participants will receive an official time for their run or walk while finisher medals will be awarded to the half marathon runners and walkers who complete the 21.1km challenge.
