WELLINGTON, May 15 (Xinhua) -- More than 8,000 runners across New Zealand hit the picturesque course for the fifth running of Hawke's Bay Marathon on Saturday, with this year's event the biggest in its history.
Wellington's Daniel Jones won the men's full marathon with a time of two hours 25 minutes and 34 seconds, while Bethany Bromfield from Auckland won the women's marathon in 2:56:29.
90-year-old Clasina Van der Veeken, of Whangarei, was the oldest competitor in the 2021 event, completing the half-marathon with members of her family. Originally from the Netherlands, she came to New Zealand in the 1950s and was a farmer's wife.
Dave Beeche, Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organizers of Hawke's Bay Marathon, said that the successful event provided a boost to the region and a unique experience for participants.
"It's been a tough time for tourism in the region so it's fantastic that this sold-out event saw thousands of runners and their supporters come from around the country to enjoy the stunning Hawke's Bay," said Beeche.
Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke's Bay Tourism, said that the event was important for the region as it recovers from a difficult year.
"After the year that was 2020, we are delighted to not only see New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Hawke's Bay Marathon take place, but to do so with a sell out field," said Saxton. "The influx of athletes from outside the region, as well as their support crew, will be valuable for our accommodation providers, eateries and retailers.
The 2021 Hawke's Bay Marathon proved especially popular with runners from Auckland, with more than 30 percent of the 8,000 entrants hailing from New Zealand's largest city, while over 18 percent made the trip up from Wellington. Enditem
