Photos from the Round the Bays in Wellington.

A NZ-based retired British Army corporal is about to embark on the race of his life, a 250km slog through the Sahara Desert equivalent to six back-to-back marathons.

Kiwi ultramarathoner Lisa Tamati, now 29 days into her 2,200km run the length of New Zealand, says her body is holding up well, despite early injury fears.

Lisa Tamati will run the length of the country - 2,200 km - in just 33 days. That's the equivalent of 52 marathons in just over a month.

Auckland's annual marathon and half marathon got under way in clear, sunny conditions this morning.

Dry weather is forecast for the biggest ever Auckland Marathon this Sunday, with more than 13,500 runners and walkers lined up to compete.

Ben Ruthe, the reigning Auckland Marathon champion, describes 2009 as "hellish" for his family.