Kiwi athlete Lydia O'Donnell has placed 20th in the New York Marathon after training for the last 16 weeks in preparation.
Speaking to Newshub from New York after crossing the finish line, the 28-year-old revealed she's feeling "overwhelmed " by the whole experience.
- The dark side of social media and the Kiwis who are fighting it
- What it's like to organise the New York City Marathon
"The race was like nothing I've ever experienced. The support from the New Yorkers was insane," she said.
"I'm overwhelmed by the training I accomplished and the race I completed. I'm overwhelmed by the support I have received from all over the world.
"The messages I've been getting have been huge - it's so crazy to think so many people care."
The star runner took part in the largest marathon in the world in support of Movember, running up to 160km a week in the 16 weeks in the lead up to the big event.
"My training is pretty intense but my coach is amazing and has really helped me throughout the build-up," she said.
"Raising money and awareness for such an important cause has kept me going throughout the journey."
The acclaimed Nike+ Run Club Coach represents New Zealand in 10,000m, half marathon and full marathon events around the world.
Ahead of the event, O'Donnell said she is a huge believer in the positive effects of physical activity on mental health. She said the support for Movember has been incredible.
Kiwi men around the country are encouraged to ditch their razors and embrace a moustache.
The Movember Foundation provides platforms to help men to develop a healthier attitude and behaviour toward their well-being, so that they ultimately live healthier, happier and longer lives.
This month, men will be able to answer the 'Mensus' (a census for men) which will offer insight into how the men of New Zealand are thinking and feeling.
At the end of the month, Movember will make the results and insights available to the nation, with a special copy presented to the Ministry of Health.
Robert Dunne, Movember NZ manager, believes the Mensus is a way to firstly get men to acknowledge how they're feeling.
"Sometimes men aren't even aware they're thinking or feeling a certain way before it's too late," he said.
"Sadness, depression and anxiety sometimes creep up on us, but the Mensus aims to provide New Zealand men with an opportunity to take a step back and ponder exactly how they're feeling."
The Mensus will offer participants tailored messages to help start a conversation, or get help depending on the answers selected once completed.
"Ultimately, we're hoping to uncover a state of the nation... and give Kiwi men some useful tools for having a yarn and looking out for one another," says Mr Dunne.
Newshub.
