Waikato's Aaron Pulford and Wellington's Katie Kemp have won the men's and women's Auckland Marathon.
Waikato's Aaron Pulford after winning the men's Auckland Marathon Photo: Darry Carey
Pulford enjoyed the perfect debut over the 42.2-kilometre distance and the three-time national 10,000-metres champion from Thames proved the extended distance was no barrier as he made his winning move with five kilometres to go to storm to victory in 2:27:01.
Auckland's Jono Jackson was second, 31 seconds behind. Former New Zealand Marathon champion Dougal Thorburn clinched third in 2:27:54, which was 14 seconds clear of his Wellington Scottish clubmate Nick Horspool, the 2014 runner-up, who took fourth.
Wellington's Katie Kemp after winning the women's Auckland Marathon Photo: Darry Carey
Kemp obliterated her previous best by more than seven minutes to win the women's race at her first attempt with an eye-catching victory in 2:42:35.