Marathon man's last race is run

'Marathon man' Colin Smyth has died.

Rotorua's marathon man, Colin Smyth, has died. He was 76.

Mr Smyth defied medical advice to take part in this year's Rotorua Marathon, later telling the Rotorua Daily Post that it was "a memorable finish".

Family and friends have paid tribute, commending his commitment to the event, his passion for helping others and his defiance to round out his 50 official events.

Friend and fellow Rotorua Marathon original Dennis Kenny said, as well as the official events, Mr Smyth had completed three club races around the lake, as well as the 1999 event, which was cancelled due to flooding. Mr Smyth ran it a week later.

"We don't really know but in 1962 we were having a few beers at the Lakehouse pub, some bright spark, who we don't remember, looked out the window and suggested a marathon around the lake," Mr Kenny said.

"Whether it was Colin or not I don't know but we held a club marathon. Colin maintains there was a group of us there."

Mr Smyth was one of 13 finishers in the first Fletcher Merchants Rotorua Marathon.

He continued to run it, often sacrificing his own event to help others, Mr Kenny said.

When he was no longer able to run, he and his wife Pat instead turned to walking. Lake City Athletic Club president Shaun O'Donnell said they were "instrumental" in setting up the walking clinic, which has had great success.

"It's a sad loss for the club," Mr O'Donnell said. "His charisma and knowledge affected a lot of people. He had a great sense of humour; he'd always tell a good yarn."

He said the club was working out how it could best pay tribute to Mr Smyth.

Son Wayne Smyth said his father defied the odds to finish his last marathon just eight weeks ago. "He had lung disease but we knew that nothing was going to stop dad; even the advice of medical professionals," he said.

"He was adamant that was the one he was going to do."

Mr Smyth's wife, Pat, was with him the entire way, clocking up her 21st finish. They were joined around the course by different people to keep them company and will them to the finish.

"He had a bigger family than his immediate family. He's inspired so many to run and walk the marathon over the years."

He said his dad was admitted to Rotorua Hospital for a week a month ago and was living at his daughter's Hamurana home under hospice care for the past three weeks. He died on Sunday surrounded by family.

"It's not every day someone runs 50 consecutive marathons on the same track. Dad certainly made his mark in Rotorua. He was a real icon."

Mr Smyth is survived by his wife Pat, two daughters, a son, two stepdaughters and nine grandchildren.

-Mr Smyth's funeral will be Thursday, 11am at Rotorua Girls' High School Arena.

Colin Smyth

* 50 finishes in the Rotorua Marathon
* Finished the inaugural race in 2.51.53
* Fastest Rotorua Marathon time was 2.35.46 in 1966
* 2015 marathon time was 11:04:49
* Joined Rotorua Athletics and Harrier Club in 1960
* Competed at interprovincial cross-country and national marathon championships
* Founding member of Ngongotaha Track Club
* Lake City Athletic Club life member