Rain Fails to Dampen Spirits at Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon

Rain did not dampen the spirits of participants at today’s 2022 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon, with over 14,000 entrants not about to let a little water ruin their big day.

Organisers were full of praise for the commitment from those taking part, as well as the many volunteers and supporters who lined the course and packed the finish line at Victoria Park to celebrate with family, friends or in some cases, complete strangers that just deserved cheering to the finish line.

Amy MacCormack, Regional Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of the Auckland Marathon, looked back on a huge day for the city and the events community.

“We are so proud of everyone, the participants, our incredible volunteer crew, all our stakeholders, and teams that helped deliver the event, ensuring the health, safety, and enjoyment of everyone. We are so delighted that the day was a success for so many, despite the best efforts of the rain,” said MacCormack.

“From our very first finishers and elite winners, to the very last to cross the line and everyone in between, there were so many inspiring stories, so many smiles, so much to enjoy.”

Participants of all ages and backgrounds took to the start lines from 5:55am this morning with the wheelchair marathon competitors setting off in near darkness, with the day rounded off with the Barfoot & Thompson 2.2km Kids Marathon.

Many were taking part to raise money in the event’s Charity Superstar Programme, with 10 official charities benefiting to the tune of $430,000 (and counting) thanks to the efforts of over 9000 athletes who signed up.

Included amongst them were Paula, Eugene, Chris, and Tracey, from Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe. Their group took part in the John West 11km Traverse, in the process raising money for Starship Foundation.

And Dave, Tessa, Carly, Amanda, and a crew of 20 from The Tile Depot also had special reason to take part.

“We lost a staff member to cancer, and we were due to take part in his memory last year, but COVID got in the way so here we are today,” said Dave. “We have raised over $13,000 for Gut Cancer New Zealand and to remember Al. He worked for us at Tile Depot for nearly 11 years. The rain has just made it more fun I reckon, it has been a great day, now it is time a beer for Al to celebrate and remember Al.”

Another special sight was the Twiggy’s group – decked out in matching shirts as they remembered Helen and former All Black Inga Tuigamala by gathering family and friends to take part in the John West 11km Traverse.

“Today is for Inga and Helen – our brother and sister who sadly passed away earlier this year,” said group representative Sina. “We are doing this as a family and friends. Rain or shine this is for them, and they would be so proud. Helen was a marathon runner and Inga was just such a sports guy, we are so proud of everyone.”

The event was made possible thanks to the help of an incredible crew of 700 volunteers, supported by volunteer partner Vodafone. Despite the inclement conditions they turned out in force, with many representing schools, churches, and community groups.

“Our Vodafone Volunteer crew has just been incredible,” said MacCormack. “Some started their days at 4:30am in the dark, some have worked through the worst of the rain, but all gave their all to the event and to support the participants.”

Event Stats – 2022 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon

Participation (overall)

• Female: 50%
• Male: 50%
• Youngest competitor: 5
• Oldest age: 97 - Tamara George, finished the John West 11km Traverse in 2:16:02
• Average age: 36
• Countries represented: 35

Charities
There are 10 official charities aligned with the event and those participating on their behalf are known as Charity Superstars. Over 12,000 donations have raised nearly $600,000 to date, with more fundraising to come in the days ahead.

• Gut Cancer Foundation
• Mental Health Foundation of NZ
• Cancer Society
• Starship Foundation
• KidsCan
• Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ
• Auckland City Mission
• Fred Hollows Foundation NZ
• HELP
• SPCA NZ

Athlete Stories
Every athlete had their reason for running and a story to tell. Here are just a few with their finishing times today.

• Tamara George (97) – inspiring as the oldest competitor, finishing the John West 11km Traverse in an incredible 2:16:02
• Kiri Price (54) – an Auckland running coach completing her 200th marathon while raising money for the Gut Cancer Foundation after watching friends and family affected by cancer. Kiri finished in 4:58:22 today.
• George Strang (24) – two years ago George was diagnosed with a brain tumour that nearly cost him his life. After a challenging 2021, this is the year George signals his recovery and ticks a half marathon off his bucket list and boy did he tick that off, finishing in 2:22:45 this morning.
• Hannah Paterson (31) – at just 31 years old, primary school teacher Hannah experienced a stroke during a reading group in her classroom. She is running for the Stroke Foundation and posted an amazing 4:12:35 in today’s Barfoot & Thompson Marathon.
• Katrina Shaw (47) – Katrina is part of ‘Emma’s Village’, a group of friends putting away their wine glasses and lacing up their trainers to take on the half marathon to raise funds for Emma and her family after she suffered a major stroke earlier this year. Katrina did Emma proud, posting 3:49:37 in the Half Marathon.