Napier was teeming with lycra-clad, wetsuit-wearing athletes from throughout the country and the Tasman who took on the gruelling fitness half-ironman Ironmaori challenge.
The first woman across the line was New Zealander Natalie Gaskin, in the women's 30 to 34-years age group with a time of 4:53:32, the first male was fellow Kiwi Deano Gaskin in the 35 to 39-years, with a time of 4:16:01.
Event founder Heather Skipworth said 2,100 athletes - 600 more than last year - competed in Saturday's event, but it was more than numbers that impressed her.
"It always amazes me the stories of people being on the verge of diabetes and then training for Ironmaori and getting a check before the event and they are in the clear," she said. "It's more than an event, it's a life-changing event."
