Aching muscles and burning lungs did not hinder the joy and sense of accomplishment of more than 3500 athletes who crossed the finish line at the 52nd annual Rotorua Marathon.
As well as the flagship event, participants could enter the 5.5km, quarter marathon (10km) and half marathon (21km) events.
Race director Murray Fleming, from Event Promotions, said this year's event had run smoothly with "strong numbers" supporting the athletes.
"Right from the start we had spectacular weather which was really good because in the past we have had some atrocious weather.
"The marathon itself was an exciting one. The men's race was really close with four guys leading the pack the whole way. For the women, Liza Hunter-Galvan was leading from the 6km mark but started cramping towards the end which made that race quite close as well."