KEY POINTS:
About 11,000 Aucklanders climbed out of bed early this morning to take part in the Auckland Marathon, half marathon and a 5km walk.
It was a chance to run across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and pound the waterfront pavements as hundreds cheered from the sideline.
Former All Black Ian Jones completed the half marathon and said the mental strength needed to finish was similar to the last 10 minutes of a rugby test match.
"You've got to guts it out. No technique, just guts," Jones said.
He said there was a lot of encouragement from the sidelines which is a great motivation.
Jones said the event was great for Auckland City and running over the bridge was the reason he took part.
Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker said the half marathon was a lot harder than the America's Cup.
"It's not everyday you get to run over the bridge. I think it's really good. It brings North Shore and Auckland together," Barker said.
Afterguard Ray Davies and sailing coach Joe Allen, who just turned 50, also took part.
Another 50 year-old to pound the pavement was Ian Otter.
Ian is a triplet and the three brothers ran this morning, with Ian making it over the line first.
"I haven't seen them. They're still coming," Otter said at the finish line.
The bothers have all run marathons before but one of his brothers took some convincing this time around, he said.
He said his age had some advantages.
"I overtook a lot of guys who were sprinting from the start line. When you get a bit older, you get a bit wiser," Otter said.
The Heart Foundation used the marathon to raise awareness and donations.
Nicola Miller-Clendon ran the race dressed as the Queen of Hearts and raised $1900 for the charity through online sponsors.
She said the best part of the race was the Harbour Bridge with a nice cool breeze coming off the water to cool her down.
