Michael Voss reigns in 60th anniversary Red Stag Rotorua Marathon

Published 4 May 2024

The support from a group of friends inspired Michael Voss to an epic four-second men’s marathon victory from Lake City AC club-mate Cullern Thorby in an unforgettable 60th anniversary edition of the Red Stag Rotorua Marathon today.

Voss and Thorby served up a classic head-to-head showdown of thrust and counter thrust and after the latter - running only his second ever marathon – opened up a 30-second lead, it looked like Voss’ bid for a fourth Rotorua Marathon title had floundered.

However, revived by the support he received from his mates, the New Zealand 10,000m and half marathon champion put on the after burners in the final few kilometres to overhaul the 21-year-old Thorby and claim a fourth Red Stag Rotorua Marathon victory in 2:23:48. Voss also added the New Zealand Marathon title to his growing collection of national titles.  

Michael Voss wins the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Photo credit: Alisha Lovrich

Thorby, who finished third in the 2023 edition of the Rotorua Marathon, set a magnificent PB by more than two-and-a-half minutes to showcase his hugely exciting future. Ben Parker (2:36:34) rounded out the podium positions in third.

Voss, who claimed a sixth successive Rotorua Marathon podium and added to his victories in 2020, 2021 and 2022, said: “This Rotorua Marathon victory is the one I enjoyed the most. I love having a battle, Cullern was so strong, and it makes it so much more rewarding (to win a race of that nature).

“I tried to take Cullern at 30km and I opened up a lead. Then he came back, and we kept taking turns at the front. He then got a little bit of a gap, and I thought he had me. I almost settled for second, but my workmates kept me going and then I gave it everything at the end.”

Voss took the New Zealand title ahead of Thorby with the bronze medal going to Kyle Bridgeman (New Plymouth Harriers) in 2:39:01.

Thorby, who only seriously started running two years ago and who like Voss works as a builder, said: “It was awesome. I was not expecting to stay with Michael, it was great to race him. He is a good guy, it was a great day, perfect conditions. Since I started running and got out of my party stage, running makes me happy and has been a great release.”

Debbie Donald (Athletics Masterson) claimed an emphatic victory in the women’s marathon to retain her national title in a time of 2:46:30. The 37-year-old mum-of-three forged ahead of Lydia O’Donnell before 10km and marched on to top spot just seven weeks after recording a lifetime best of 2:40:39 in the Nagoya Marathon in Japan.

“I only make a last-minute decision to come here,” said Donald. “After Nagoya I competed over the half marathon in Christchurch, where I finished fourth, and although the time was good my legs felt a bit off. I hadn’t done any long runs leading into today and my legs felt a bit zapped by 32km. But I knew the championship was on the line, and I’m pinching myself now.”

After taking the lead she told herself not to look back and was rewarded with the race win.

“I knew Lydia was a gun runner and she has fast legs too. I just had to keep going. It was so beautiful running around Lake Rotorua. To win the New Zealand title again is so surreal. I hope to come back next year and win a third New Zealand title.”

Debbie Donald, female winner of the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Photo credit: Alisha Lovrich

O’Donnell (Night Ninjas), the former national 5000m, 10,000m and half marathon title holder, plugged on gamely to place second and clinch NZ Championship silver in 2:56:39. O’Donnell’s club-mate Kate Macdonald (3:05:15) snared third and the NZ Championship bronze medal.

On a sun-bathed day in Rotorua the 60th anniversary edition of the Red Stag Half Marathon attracted more than 5100 entries but perhaps the most inspirational participant was 100-year-old Colin Thorne, who completed the First Credit Union 5.5km in 1:11:24 alongside his daughter Pauline Dinsdale.

Whangarei-based Colin, who has completed 22 full Rotorua Marathons and is a Parkrun regular, said: “I’m happy to be here, it is a real pleasure to be at the 60th Rotorua Marathon. This race means so much to me I’ve had a wonderful life. I’m humbled to receive the support I have out on the course.”

Colin Thorne at the finish line of the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Photo credit: Alisha Lovrich

Dave Heine, the winner of the inaugural Rotorua Marathon in 1965, also completed the First Credit Union 5.5km, running a handy time of 46:23. Auckland-based Heine, 82, who presented Voss with his specially designed 60th anniversary Red Stag Rotorua Marathon medal, said: “I have very fond memories of my time running the Rotorua Marathon and my time with the Rotorua and Harrier club. It always feels good to come back. I was a little bit of accident in history winning that first Rotorua Marathon, but it is nice to come back and be involved.”

David Heine and Michael Voss at the 2024 Red Stag Rotorua Marathon. Photo credit: Alisha Lovrich

Jared Schnell edged a close-fought men’s Combes Johnston BMW Half Marathon in 1:14:39 with Kumiko Otani in 1:24:37 taking out the women’s half marathon. Casey Thorby, brother of marathon runner-up Cullern, claimed a convincing victory in the Go Media 10km in 30:47 with Femmi co-founder Esther Keown clinching the women’s 10km in 37:23. Hayden Shearman, regular Athletics NZ livestream commentator, proved unstoppable in the First Credit Union 5.5km taking victory in 21:01.  Mya Needham (25:08) was the first woman across the finish line.

For full results go here