RUNNING

Thousands turn out for the inaugral Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon

By Ironman Oceania



The inaugural Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon took place Saturday, with close to 5000 competitors and many thousands more supporters, families and spectators enjoying the racing and all the region has to offer in the way of wine, food and scenery.
 
Winners of the first ever event and one that could quickly attain iconic status on the New Zealand running calendar, were 29-year old James Parsons from Napier in the men and 33-year old Leah Fitzgerald from New South Wales in the women. Parsons won by 2 minutes from Chris Sanson, while in the women’s, Fitzgerald won by a margin of 13 minutes over Katherine Morgan, over the course that took competitors from Marine Parade in Napier to the finish line at Sileni Estates Winery in Hastings.

The weather in Hawke’s Bay was stunning for the event, with the sun shining and temperatures hitting 25 degrees, however there was a northwesterly wind throughout the day which added to the challenge for some competitors. 
 
Both Parsons and Fitzgerald were delighted with their victories.

“It’s just an incredible feeling,” Parsons said. “I seriously didn’t think I would even be able to race a week ago with a knee injury, and I think the fact that I was struggling so hard makes this even better that I made it through.”

“I’m very happy with the result,” said Fitzgerald. “Pushing the wind was tough, but a good feeling to get the win. It was amazing out there and I will definitely be back to do it again.”


James Parsons, Napier. Credit: Air NZ Hawke’s Bay International Marathon.


The event is delivered by Ironman Oceania, which also runs the hugely successful Air New Zealand Queenstown International Marathon, and Managing Director Dave Beeche says this is just the start in Hawke’s Bay.

“Close to 5,000 competitors across all events enjoyed both the challenge and their surroundings today thanks to wonderful support from Air New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay Tourism, our many volunteers, the local community and all of our stakeholders and sponsors who have helped to make this inaugural event happen.

“As with Queenstown we are seeing people sign up for events such as the Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon for the challenge yes, but primarily for the destination, the nature of the course and the quality of the experience, today has lived up to that billing.”

Air New Zealand has been right amongst the action today with 90 Air New Zealanders taking part and cabin crew members offering support along the way, serving snacks and drinks from their specially designed trolleys. 
 
Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace says the airline is proud to get behind today’s event and to have helped to attract and then transport so many competitors and supporters to Hawke’s Bay for the inaugural marathon.
 

Leah Fitzgerald, New South Wales. Credit: Air NZ Hawke’s Bay International Marathon.


“A key objective of the Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Marathon is to help showcase this beautiful region to the world and with more than 75 percent of entries coming from outside the area, the event is sure to give the local economy a boost during the quieter travel period.”
 
It was not all about the elites, the success of the event was in recognizing each competitor for taking on the challenge, and acknowledging them as they finished.

Rotorua mother Alison King, who turned her life around by swapping fast-food for running, completed the marathon. It was her second marathon in just two weeks, and she enjoyed the scenery so much it has made her want to move to Hawke’s Bay.

“It’s so beautiful. I just loved seeing all the different types of horticulture. Some of the orchardists were out supporting and it’s great because you see that it’s not just about the vineyards, it’s about the produce too, it’s made me want to move here. I must admit that with about 6km to go I was really questioning my sanity as to why I entered two marathons in two weeks but I’m so glad I did this event.”

Hawke’s Bay Architect Nicholas Magdalinos is himself on an amazing journey, having lost 27 kilograms just to make the start line as he changes his life, using the Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Marathon as the motivator to start that process.

“I’m going to celebrate. It’s been a pretty big achievement and I couldn’t have done it without my training partner Brandon, he’s been epic. I’m in a lot of pain but it’s gone to a good place. It was fantastic to be running through Hawke’s Bay on such a stunning day. What a testament to the region.” 
 
For some it was about achieving their own targets and goals, whether in the AIA 10km event, the NZ Sotheby’s Realty Half Marathon or the Air New Zealand Marathon. The smile count was high across the finish line at Sileni Estates Winery in Hastings regardless of which event competitors had completed or how long it took them to get them there.
 

2016 Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay International Marathon
Results
Air New Zealand Marathon
Men
1; James Parsons, 2:35:12
2; Chris Sanson, 2:37:13
3; Hamish Hammond, 2:49:01
 
Women
1; Leah Fitzgerald, 3:00:44
2; Katherine Morgan, 3:14:02
3; Marisa Ruhter, 3:20:15
 
NZ Sotheby’s Realty Half Marathon
Men
1; Hayden Wilde, 1:13:20
2; Craig Kirkwood, 1:13:56
3; Malcolm Hodge 1:16:56
 
Women
1; Nita Wetti, 1:16:08
2; Olivia Ritchie, 1:26;03
3; Posey Wall, 1:27:15
 

AIA 10km
Men
1; Benjamin Eurich, 38:19
2; William Kelsey, 38:20
3; Ollie Marshall, 40:35

Women
1; Stacey Kennedy, 42:54
2; Emily Dunn, 43:10
3; Morgan Ball, 44:08
 

For full results, CLICK HERE