Veteran runner El Afoui Boubker burnt off Habtamu Bekele down Front Street's final straight to reclaim his throne as King of the International Race Weekend Marathon.

Not even 26.2 gruelling miles, in windy conditions, could separate the competitors who were still tussling just 100 yards from the finishing line.

In the end it was masterful Moroccon Boubker who pulled away to secure his sixth title in seven years in 2.31.21 - a reasonably slow time for this race.

The 39-year-old, who won five times between 2000 and 2006, led the way for the majority of the race and had to use every ounce of his vast experience to keep Ethiopian Bekele at bay.

Boubker said he was determined to return to winning ways after being beaten by Russian Edvard Tukhbatullin 12 months ago.

"I was not in as good shape last year and didn't run so well," he said. "So I'm very happy this year to win as it's my sixth victory.

"There was a lot of wind and I was the leader for much of the race. The guy from Ethiopia (Bekele) is a very good athlete, and very fast, but he didn't really lead at any time. However, he made me compete very hard at the finish.

"I knew he was pushing to up the pace with about one mile to the finish, so I had to work hard and use my experience."

Boubker said the hilly course, and blustery conditions, made it difficult to post a quick time.

"Here it's difficult to do a good time," he said. "There are a lot of hills and the weather made it difficult, but I'm very happy with my win. Hopefully I'll be back again next year to make it seven victories."

Kenyan Abeda Tola, 31, was the first elite female runner to cross the line with a time of 2.51.34, to leave her in sixth place overall. The first local man to finish was once again 42-year-old Peter Mills, from Paget, with a time of 3.04.17 to leave him eighth. Lead locals Rene Lamer, Alistair McNeish and Antun Duzevic also had strong runs, finishing 12th, 13th and 14th respectively.

A surprised Kirsten Wardman was the first female to finish from a depleted local field in 3.58.07. "This is the second time I've run this race and I don't even know where I came last year.

"I don't know how many other local girls were running, but hey, it's nice to be first."

For Cal Steede yesterday's marathon marked the end of three tiresome days, which saw the inspiring 48-year-old win the Triangle Challenge Mile, as well as run the men's local mile, 10K and marathon.

"I'm feeling a little bit tired right now so I'm glad it's all over," he smiled. "It was tough out there and felt like you were running in the wind the whole way. I think the wind played a real factor this year, you really had to battle it when you were coming up North Shore. I've enjoyed it and if I can do all four races again next year I'll be up for the challenge."