On March 2, 1977, Jack Leigh wrote in the Auckland Star about a group of YMCA cardiac patients training for the annual “Round The Bays” event. Most of them were preparing for a new YMCA initiative—a non-competitive, walk-if-you-like marathon—as their next goal after getting fit for the Star’s Round the Bays Run. They planned to work towards this goal over about nine months, with the marathon scheduled for Heart Week in October. The YMCA was looking for a sponsor. On April 28, 1977, the Star continued the story with a new chapter.

A Bit of Health from Ohio

The bobbing Bells of Cleveland, Ohio, believe that beauty needs a healthy base. What does this have to do with a new marathon club in Auckland, New Zealand? Bonne Bell Inc. became a co-sponsor with the YMCA. The local agents, Dominion and Overseas Agencies, saw in "Leighway" (March 2) that the YMCA was looking for a sponsor. They consulted Cleveland, and the response was, "go right ahead." Thus, the club, which had its first meeting at 8 am on a Sunday in the YMCA Stadium, was named the "Y Bonne Bell Marathon Club."

The YMCA wanted to offer a new objective for people wishing to maintain their fitness after the Star's Round-the-Bays run. The club's first goal was a half marathon for Heart Week, starting on October 10. Instructors Barry Hislop and Bill Henwood ensured that runners did not overexert themselves. "We feel that if we can advise them correctly, whole families can aim for the half marathon goal," said Maurie Rendle, YMCA General Manager. "The Star has kicked off this fitness initiative, and it's up to us to keep it going!" Bonne (pronounced "Bonnie") Bell would cover the promotional costs.

On May 1, 1977, 120 "runners" of all shapes, sizes, and ages attended the YMCA. After addresses by Maurie Rendle (YMCA General Manager), Max Telford (Ultra-distance Star), and Barry Hislop (YMCA Instructor), they set off for a "long" 3-mile run to the Domain and back. Club member participants included Phil Cooper, Murray Grant, Owen Lawrence, and Joe Hall.

A somewhat loose-knit jogging group continued to operate over the winter months, building up to a half marathon at Onehunga (the first half marathon in Auckland) during Heart Week on October 9, 1977. At that event, 15 of the YMCA group, inadequately prepared, completed their first marathon by running the course twice. Among them were Phil Cooper, Murray Grant, and Joe Hall.

Following the success of the half marathon, a group at the YMCA, led by Phil Cooper, decided to formalise the group into an organised club. The first meeting was held on November 30, 1977. Des Vercoe became a member of the club on November 30, 1977, joining the original four survivors of the first run.

And the rest, as they say, is history!