Thousands Of Runners Participate In Rotorua Marathon
Muhammad Rameez Published May 08, 2021 | 04:02 PM
More than 4,000 runners pounded the picturesque tracks around Rotorua Lake on Saturday in one of the oldest sporting events in New Zealand
ROTORUA (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th May, 2021 ) :More than 4,000 runners pounded the picturesque tracks around Rotorua Lake on Saturday in one of the oldest sporting events in New Zealand.
Home favorite Michael Voss became only the fourth man in history to claim back-to-back Rotorua Marathon victories as he ignited the 57th edition of the iconic race by storming to an emphatic win in 2:29:30.
Through intermittent showers, Voss hit the front within the opening kilometer and by halfway had opened up a three-minute advantage on his nearest challengers before further extending his advantage in the second half of the race to claim a memorable win.
Mum-of-two Ingrid Cree added her name to the roll call of women's Rotorua Marathon champions to clinch the biggest win of her career so far.
The 38-year-old Wellington-based athlete finished third at last year's event and improved on that performance, stopping the clock in 2:54:11.
Earlier in the day, around 4,000 participants - the highest number since the historic 50th edition seven years ago - set out in a light drizzle to take on either the full marathon, half-marathon, 10km or 5.
5km distances.
"This event means a lot to our community, including our local businesses, so it's really great that in today's uncertain times, we are able to host thousands of visitors from all around the country," Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said.
And with the trans-Tasman travel bubble now open, a number of Australians came from across the ditch to take on the challenge.
Rotorua, one of North Island's top visitor destinations, is well-known for its fascinating geothermal activity, Maori culture, hot springs and mud pools.
This year's edition of the event - which is famous for its stunning scenery across the various race options around Lake Rotorua, the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, Sulphur Flats and Government Gardens - is of further note as, with the entirety of New Zealand now at alert level 1, entrants from all regions are able to take part.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rafiq-ul-Hujajj Committee to organize 2nd training session for pilgrims in Abbot ..
Defence Minister leads Pakistan's delegation to Kazakhstan SCO moot
PRCS Chairman, Moroccan envoy discuss humanitarian relations
50pc cut in subsidy of BRT service likely: CM’s aide
Russia striking Ukraine railways to 'paralyse' army cargo: Ukraine source
Cop, suspected outlaw injured in police encounter
IPRI, ILA Italy ink MoU on cooperation in international law development
4-day book fair opens
30 wheelchairs donated
11 dead, 1295 injured in road accidents
46 vehicles impounded for traffic violations
PSX gains 771 points
More Stories From Sports
-
Spanish football federation appoints Rocha as president
2 hours ago -
Father, son killed in firing
6 hours ago -
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
9 hours ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
13 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
19 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
20 hours ago
-
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
22 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
23 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
23 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
22 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
22 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
22 hours ago