The 2026 Auckland Marathon proved to be one for the history books as the men's marathon winner broke the 20-year-old course record.
Wellingtonian Toby Gualter finished the race in 2:15:29, nearly eight minutes ahead of two-time defending champion Daniel Balchin.
Sunday's marathon was an Auckland debut for the Olympic hopeful, who was pleased with his result despite last-stretch struggles.
"Winning feels amazing – it was hard at 40km, but I just ran my own race and ultimately got the win and the course record," Gualter said.
“I'd say it started to hurt around 39km, and then I started to feel both my hamstrings around 40km and I thought, I know I’m going to get the record, but I couldn't speed up any faster. The hamstrings were pretty much working as hard as they could. It was a good debut, but lots to learn.”
After receiving a haka on reaching the finish line, Gualter said the hero's welcome topped off an emotional experience filled with support and milestones.
“The support was amazing, especially coming back around the bays and coming back towards the city, there were so many people yelling my name," he said.
“I had to hold my emotions in probably around 38km because I knew I was going to win. When I got to the finish line, I knew I'd gone under the record, got the win, and then to be received by the haka, I mean, it's part of our nation's culture – it was super cool to bring that here to Auckland."
Fellow Wellingtonian Eric Speakman finished the race behind Gualter and Balchin to take third place.
In the women's marathon, Auckland-based runner Brigid Dennehy took top spot for the third year in a row, following on from her record-breaking run in 2025.
Dennehy ran the 42km in 2:42:49, becoming the first woman to win the Auckland marathon three times consecutively.
Reflecting on her race, Dennehy said this year's marathon was "really special" following hurdles on and off course.
“I struggled out there quite a bit and to get across the finish line and get the win was huge and really hard, and actually I think this year meant the most," she said.
"I’ve had a pretty rough couple of months, so to get first across the finish line means a lot.
“I felt really emotional crossing the finish line today and having my friends there.”
Charlotte Burgess of Taupō finished in second, pushing Dennehy right from the beginning to end with a time of 02:45:30.
Auckland's Madeline Hamer rounded out the top three of the women's marathon.
Auckland Marathon victors
Top three finishers from the men's and women's marathons and half marathons.
Auckland women's marathon:
- Brigid Dennehy (Auckland) – 02:42:49
- Charlotte Burgess (Taupō) – 02:45:30
- Madeleine Hamer (Auckland) – 02:51:27
Auckland men's marathon:
- Toby Gualter (Wellington) – 02:15:29 (course record)
- Daniel Balchin (Alexandra) – 02:23:01
- Eric Speakman (Wellington) – 02:24:46
Auckland women's half marathon:
- Eva Pringle (Christchurch) – 01:13:37
- Katherine Camp (Te Awamutu) – 01:18:39
- Sarah Gardner (Tauranga) – 01:19:28
Auckland men's half marathon:
- William Sinclair (Hamilton) – 01:04:10 (course record)
- Julian Oakley (Tauranga) – 01:07:27
- Tom Moulai (Christchurch) – 01:07:31
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