Close to 15,000 competitors from 54 countries hit the pavements in the Auckland Marathon. Video / Supplied
The All Blacks might be flying at the World Cup but it was an Aussie who claimed today's 2019 Auckland Marathon.
Isaias Beyn darted across the line in a time of 2 hours 19 mins, beating out the rest of the more than 1900 runners, who signed on for the 42km full marathon distance.
After finishing third last year, Beyn came into today's marathon a hot favourite and eventually pulled clear from within the last 2km to grab the win.
A pretty good day out when you win your first ever marathon!
Congratulations Hannah Wells - Athlete our 2019 ASB Bank #AucklandMarathon champion!
#RunTheCity
The iconic event brought together veteran athletes, first-timers and in-betweeners from all walks of life, with the track spanning across the North Shore through to Auckland city.
A 2019 Auckland Marathon racer feels the heat. Michael Craig
Competitor Andy Harper was understood to have been running his 100th marathon at today's event, while Keith Eades and 30 other Kiwis - who received heart transplants - were set to take part in the 11km traverse over the harbour bridge.
Of the 1900 runners taking part in the full marathon, about 1500 had finished by midday, leaving about 400 more still battling their way home.
The ASB Bank marathon and Barfoot & Thompson half marathon elite fields will be setting the streets of Auckland on 🔥...
Oli Chignell won the 21km half marathon in a time of 1;05:50, beating second-placed Cameron Graves by just 2 seconds.
Lisa Cross was the first woman home in 1:18.
There was a wide range of fans on hand to cheer the runners. Photo / Michael Craig
Former New York Marathon winner, Michael Taylor coasted home in 1:22 to win the handcycle marathon.
Our first wheelchair athlete is through the turnaround point at St Heliers!
We’re expecting a fast time coming into the finish line at Victoria Park.
#AucklandMarathon
