There were range of events right up to the elite athletes running over 60km.
Parents, kids and foreign visitors all came to Ninety Mile Beach this morning to follow in the footsteps of the famous warrior, Te Houtaewa.
In the 42km race there were some veterans who had returned home especially for the occasion.
A warrior chief, when kūmara stocks at his home on Maunganui ran out, Te Houtaewa told his mum Makotahi, to light the hāngi and he would fetch some kūmara in Ahipara for their hāngi.
Today this event is in its 21st year and the stories told about his deeds get bigger and bigger by the year.
Today you needed a warrior spirit to win on Ninety Mile Beach.
Reporter: Rau Kapa.