KEY POINTS:
Michael Simons loves running so much he says he could do it all day - which is just the attitude you'd expect from someone who is about to embark on his 100th marathon.
Mr Simons will be one of thousands of people at the start line on Sunday of the adidas Auckland Marathon. The race is already the most popular in the event's history in terms of numbers participating.
Places in the marathon and half-marathon were filled two months ago, which led to furious bidding on internet auction sites for entry places.
Mr Simons happily admits he never thought he would do another marathon after running his first 30 years ago, when it was seen as the trendy thing to do.
"I imagined that it would be the only one. I was just happy to get through it," he said.
But the running bug took hold and he began competing in marathons all over the world. He's just returned from running in Berlin and has raced in New York, Boston, London, Venice and Paris.
"I've been really lucky. Through running I've been able to see the world."
The highlight was New York but the low point was a run a lot closer to home.
"The hardest was one at Muriwai. It took seven hours to finish. It was a shocker, with tough terrain, was all off road and crossing rivers ... ".
He took up running marathons largely because of their popularity at the time.
"It became the thing to do. They were becoming quite popular and I was playing league at the time and started coaching - but then I got a tumour."
The tumour in his pituitary gland led to a major operation and a year without exercise. To regain his fitness, Mr Simons gave up playing and coaching league and concentrated on running.
The 51-year-old Aucklander says he won't be nervous on Sunday morning. "No, no nerves, not any more. I'm just hoping for a sub-four-hour marathon.
"I just love running - I could run all day," he said.
But when he does run he does it without an iPod or MP3 player, instead preferring to listen to his own thoughts.
"You could work out the problems of the world when you're running ... It's just when you get back home you've forgotten them," he laughed.
FAST FACTS
* Marathon and half-marathon start at 6.30am on Sunday at King Edward Parade, Devonport.
* It is the richest road race in New Zealand, with $24,000 in prizemoney.
* 12,200 entrants.
* Runners and walkers from 37 different countries competing.
* 45,000 litres of water at the aid stations.
* 80,000 paper cups.
* 11,500 bananas.
* 2500 road cones on the course.
* 600 volunteers.
