Athletics NZ is receiving a $160,970 cash boost to help with costs associated with running the Rotorua Marathon.

The grant from New Zealand Community Trust will go towards salaries and costs associated with the marathon.

The event is one of New Zealand's most enduring sports participation events, with tens of thousands of runners and walkers having completed the challenging 42.2 km ”lap of the lake” since its humble beginnings back in 1965.

The event is the oldest and most respected major marathon in New Zealand and the longest-running major marathon in the Southern Hemisphere, and will be in its 58^th year in 2022, says a statement from organisers.

'The headline event is the Full Marathon, a single lap of late Rotorua, which caters for runners and walkers of all levels.

'The event also provides an off-road Half Marathon (21km), as well as a 10km and 5.5km fun run option.”

Annually, more than 4000 entrants participate, with thousands of spectators and supporters on hand to cheer them on around the course and across the finish line.

The majority of runners and walkers travel from outside of Rotorua to participate in the event.

The Rotorua Marathon is owned by Athletics New Zealand, a not for profit and the national governing body for Athletics in New Zealand.

Athletics New Zealand commercial manager Jo Clark says the grant will make a big difference to both the organisation and the Rotorua Marathon.

'Athletics New Zealand is a ‘for purpose', rather than a ‘for profit' organisation and our goal is to provide opportunities for all Kiwis to participate in athletics.

'The grant will enable us to provide a safe, well organised and successful Rotorua Marathon, attracting new participants and encouraging people to become active.

'It will bring visitors into the region, with the majority of runners and walkers travelling to Rotorua for the event, and many opting to make a weekend of their visit with their family and friends.

'The impact of NZCTs support extends beyond the Rotorua Marathon. It makes it possible for us to provide athletics participation opportunities for athletes of all ages and continue to grow the sport of athletics within New Zealand.

'We are incredibly grateful for NZCT for their commitment to helping Kiwis stay active and engage with their community through sport.”