Hundreds turn out for ANZA Challenge finale

Runners line up for the ANZA Challenge held at the Auckland Domain. Photo / Dean Purcell

More than 700 people turned out to the Auckland Domain this morning for the conclusion of the ANZA Challenge, which has seen sports stars and celebrities racing some 1300km to raise money for kids with disabilities.

The race, which was partly sponsored by the New Zealand Herald, saw teams from New Zealand and Australia running, rowing and cycling around the country fundraising for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation.

The race culminated today with simultaneous runs in Sydney and Auckland, where more than 700 children and adults raced around the Auckland Domain.

New Zealand won.

Former All Black and broadcaster Marc Ellis lead the New Zealand team, which also included Black Sticks player Gemma Flynn, Paralympic cyclist Nathan Smith, Olympic gold medal rowing team Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan, and paralympic rower Danny McBride.

Representing Australia was former rugby league legend Laurie Daley, former rugby league and Wallaby Wendell Sailor, Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly and Olympic champion rower Dan Noonan.

Halberg Disability Sport Foundation chief executive Geoff Burgess said the organisation saw sport as a great way to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

"That was Sir Murray Halberg's aim so it's wonderful to see elite athletes lining up and helping these people. I just think that synergy is just tremendous."