An exercise in togetherness

Thousands of runners and walkers took part in the Round the Bays fun run. Photo / Dean Purcell

About 70,000 people hit the streets for theannual Ports of Auckland Round the Bays run yesterday.

The 8.4km event started in the city on Quay St, followed the line of the Waitemata Harbour and finished on the waterfront at St Heliers Bay.

Scott Winton was the first male to finish, in 26m 19s. Rachel Penney was first woman, in 34m 17s. Both are from the Pakuranga Athletics Club.

The annual event started in 1975 with 1200 participants and now attracts nearly 40,000 registered runners, with thousands more taking part unofficially.