Last-minute instructions shout above the music across the PA but I just hear the music and the chatter and laughs of the crowd around me.

Thousands of runners will be reaching for bananas and sausage-sizzles in Victoria Park after crossing the finish line in the Auckland Marathon.

Mr Lett finally secured a win after coming second in last year's Auckland Marathon, last year's Wellington Marathon and the Christchurch Marathon in June. "You have to have a little bit of luck in marathons, who's kind of got it on the day, luckily I had just enough for the last five kilometres and I'm glad it wasn't a kilometre longer," he said.

For many, the moment of deepest despair comes as they turn their backs on the swanky seaside suburb of St Heliers.

A Christmas gift for triathletes - TomTom's GPS multisport watch for run, cycling and swim tracking.

The ride to the start line at 5:30am was sobering and quiet. The smell of vaseline wafting around the crammed bus added to the tension.

Sophie Wharam will probably do "a bit more training" before she runs another half-marathon.

Sam Wreford of Timaru, won the Men's Auckland Marathon while Kirsten Molloy from Australia, won the Women's Marathon. Photos / Brett Phibbs / Getty Images

To many Kiwis the thought may seem hard to comprehend. In Britain a marathon runner when completing the gruelling challenge is less likely to be asked what time they have taken but more likely how much money they have raised for charity.

Runners and walkers of all ages can get off the couch and into the fitness race during the Unitec Run Walk series.

The adidas Auckland Marathon could be the fastest in many years with the organisers confirming they are working on a proposed course change for this year's event.

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The Auckland marathon attracted tens of thousands to the central city, with a new women's course record set by a Christchurch woman.

Runners gave it their all from Devonport to Victoria Park in the Adidas Auckland Marathon.