Marathon runners enjoy sunny day

Half-marathon competitor John Bower cools off with a cup of water at Victoria Park after the race. Photo / Paul Estcourt

More than 13,000 people got an early start on a beautiful day for yesterday's 51st Auckland Marathon.

The event started from Devonport at 6.10am (the half-marathon got under way at 6.45am). The route crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge and finished at Fanshawe St alongside Victoria Park.

This year's race was won by Christchurch runner Rowan Hooper, who crossed the line in 2h 31m.

The first Auckland Marathon took place in 1936, but became an annual event only from 1962. Runners first crossed the Harbour Bridge in 1992.

Mr Hooper has won the Dunedin marathon twice, in 2007 and last year, the same year he also won in Christchurch.

Geoff Nottage, who ran in full Darth Vader costume, came in at 6h 12m. "We had a good time, not a fast time," said Mr Nottage, who ran as part of a team. Mr Nottage intended to run one race for each of the six Star Wars films, and next year will be the last. He is a bit apprehensive about the final race, as Darth Vader dies at the end of the sixth film.

- NZ HERALD STAFF