Marathon effort leads to collapse

Nicole Goldsmid, is carried from the finish after winning the female marathon, Goldsmid joined 13,000 runners tackling the Auckland Marathon on Sunday. Photo/Greg Bowker

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

She was spotted being carried to the side, as medical staff converged to give her an assessment.

However, after a bit of a rest, Goldsmid was later awarded her trophy at the prize giving.