Winning the Auckland Marathon has come at a cost for the first woman to cross the finish line.
Nicole Goldsmid crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 47 minutes, with a winning smile - taking out the top spot in the women's elite race.
However, the victorious smile was rather short-lived as she was seen to falter and collapse.
![Nicole Goldsmid, celebrates winning the female marathon, Goldsmid joined 13,000 runners tackled the Auckland Marathon on Sunday in near perfect weather. Photo/Greg Bowker](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/YFWSNMSF4YS355IRDJ5KB6DOWQ.jpg?auth=e478e2e08b8789cdbc2cd564273fe80a92870e7272814197b06f8e9cfd6e497f&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
She was spotted being carried to the side, as medical staff converged to give her an assessment.