Record Turnout at Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon Captivates Runners

A remarkable 3,778 participants took to the streets of Dunedin on March 10, 2024, for the Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon, setting a new record for the event. Runners of all levels engaged in the full marathon, half marathon, and various other races, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition and camaraderie.

Winners Take the Spotlight

In the full marathon, Dan Hayman from Dunedin clinched the men’s title with a time of 2 hours, 39 minutes, 48 seconds. His performance was particularly impressive as he faced challenging headwinds throughout the course. The women’s race saw Hannah Oldroyd from Canterbury cross the finish line first, clocking in at 2 hours, 53 minutes, 47 seconds.

The half marathon categories also showcased strong contenders. In the women’s race, Clara Fergus, also from Canterbury, emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes, 53 seconds. The men’s half marathon winner was Logan Griffin, also hailing from Canterbury, finishing with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, 23 seconds.

Celebrating Personal Triumphs

Race director Becs Adlam expressed pride in the remarkable performances displayed throughout the day. “There were so many standout performances on the day, and it was always hard to single out just one. Especially when for some, simply crossing the finish line is a personal victory,” she noted.

One of the highlights for Adlam was presenting the winner’s prize pack to Hayman. “Watching Dan Hayman cross the line and then presenting him with his winner’s prize pack was a particularly special moment,” she said. At just 21 years old and competing in his marathon debut, Hayman’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his athletic career as a student at the University of Otago.

Reporters Sam Henderson and Brenda Harwood from The Star captured the excitement of the day, highlighting the impactful stories of runners who pushed through physical and mental barriers. The event not only celebrated competitive athletics but also underscored the spirit of personal triumph among participants.

The Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon continues to grow in popularity, drawing runners from various regions and fostering a sense of community among athletes and supporters alike. The record number of participants this year reflects the event’s increasing significance in the marathon calendar.