Stunning Day in the Bay as Ingrid Cree Earns ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon Title Fourpeat
The 2025 ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon unfolded under picture-perfect skies, welcoming nearly 8,000 registered participants to the breathtaking landscapes of Hawke’s Bay.
Runners from across New Zealand and beyond took on the challenge across four distances: the ASICS Marathon (42.2km), La Roche Posay Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km Run, and the 2.2km Kids Run.
In the women’s marathon it was Wellington’s Ingrid Cree’s day yet again as she earned her fourth consecutive Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon title on the bounce.
“I feel amazing, I love it here, I can’t stop coming back. My family loves to come along, my kids do the fun run, and the festival feel at the end is so great. We come from Wellington, and I think it’s always better when they’re here,” said Cree.
Cree took the tape in 2:47:47, nearly two minutes ahead of Bethany Bromfield, who led for much of the race before being reeled in over the final few kilometres. Marina Ferguson rounded out the women’s podium in third.
“The last four races have all been very similar where I probably get dropped about halfway and then I see the lead female again in the last 5K, and I managed to just bump in front and get the line,” said Cree. “It was beautiful again today, I love the course, the competition is really good. Amazing to take another win, it feels fantastic.”
The men’s marathon was won by New Zealand Olympian Malcolm Hicks in 2:24:46, more than a minute ahead of Rodwyn Isaacs in second. Hiro Tanimoto took the final podium spot in third.
“I feel good, very happy with the win. It’s a beautiful course, stunning weather down here and there was fantastic support out there so yeah, really happy,” said Hicks.
“I was going out with a few of the guys early on, the guy in second from Pakuranga pushed the pace early, I actually had to stop and re-tie my shoe and lost about 30 seconds, so I chased him down until about halfway and then just tried to keep that pace and push on and just squeeze the second half really,” he said. “It’s my first time here, it’s fantastic, loved it. I mean you couldn’t get a better day for a marathon, beautiful cold, cool start and an amazing place to finish.”
Meanwhile, in the half marathon, Auckland’s Cameron Graves made it back-to-back course record victories, taking the tape in 1:05:34, nearly a minute faster than he went last year.
“Feeling stoked. I came in today in pretty good fitness, there were some quick guys on the start line with me so I didn’t know what pace everyone would go out at but I put it down from the gun and came through and in a new course record, so I’m absolutely stoked,” said Graves.
“The race unfolded pretty well for me, I ran even splits from the start. The course is absolutely beautiful, nice and flat and fast, the sun was shining and there’s lots of support out there. I was just stoked to be out there enjoying it and soaking it all in.
“This is my third time coming here, it’s just such an amazing atmosphere at the start line, everyone’s just so enthused and ready to go. The course is beautiful, and the finish line here is just amazing, it’s one of the best marathons we have in New Zealand. The atmosphere at the finish line is next level, everyone’s having a few drinks and there to party,” he said.
Fellow Aucklander Jack Moody finished second in 1:07:18, with Joe Steward rounding out the men’s half marathon podium in 1:07:27.
Anneke Arlidge claimed the women’s half marathon title in 1:17:27 in dominant fashion, her winning margin more than four minutes from Phillipa Williams. Claire Hammett was just two seconds behind Williams to finish third.
“I feel really good, it’s been a beautiful day in the bay so a good day to go for a run,” said Arlidge. “I was hoping to run a little bit faster but always happy to take the win so stoked either way. The course is really nice, really good atmosphere so it was good fun.”
In the 10km race, Mattew Arnold claimed back-to-back titles in a time of 32:13 – just three seconds slower than his 2024 course record – with Robin Moore in second and Nic Ratcliffe in third. The women’s 10km was won by Anna Sharp, ahead of Maisie Kilner and Samantha Austin.
While there was plenty of attention on those at the front of the races, the Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon caters to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, bringing more than 75% of participants from outside of Hawke’s Bay to the region, including plenty from overseas.
Madison Pinkus and Montana Watt travelled to the event from Sydney, Australia, with both runners completing the marathon in just seconds over four hours.
“It was so good, it was really hard, but we got it done and we also got a PB,” said Pinkus. “Napier is honestly stunning, it was such a beautiful route, it was so scenic, it was unreal – we were running past sheep and alpaca!
“I’ve never seen anything like it before, it’s just honestly beautiful. Stunning,” she said.
“The people and the track were amazing, all the volunteers cheering us on at every aid station,” said Watt. “Now we’re keen for a couple of days of wine tours and wineries. We’ve travelled all the way from Sydney to be here and we’re so happy to be here.”
ASICS Marathon Results
Women
1. Ingrid Cree – 2:47:47
2. Bethany Bromfield – 2:49:42
3. Marina Ferguson – 2:58:32
Men
1. Malcoom Hicks – 2:24:46
2. Rodwyn Isaacs – 2:26:08
3. Hiro Tanimoto – 2:29:55
La Roche Posay Half Marathon Results
Women
1. Anneke Arlidge – 1:17:27
2. Phillipa Williams – 1:21:59
3. Claire Hammett – 1:22:01
Men
1. Cameron Graves – 1:05:34 (CR)
2. Jack Moody – 1:07:18
3. Joe Steward – 1:07:27
10km Results
Women
1. Anna Sharp – 37:43
2. Maisie Kilner – 38:32
3. Samantha Austin – 39:52
Men
1. Matthew Arnold – 32:13
2. Robin Moore – 33:38
3. Nic Ratcliffe – 34:10
