Just as the Government was announcing the country's move to the red light setting, thousands of competitors were taking part in Sunday's Auckland Marathon.
The race, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, was meant to be run in October 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
And one runner in particular had a good reason to celebrate it going ahead.
Just in the nick of time, Robert Scott has now crossed the Auckland Marathon finish line 30 times.
For others, 2022 was their first race, and it started nice and early with competitors watching the sunrise from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
As news started to circulate about the Government's traffic light announcement, runners were pleased they managed to take part.
Nearly 8500 runners crossed the finish, aging from 10 to 85. And despite the fear of COVID-19 ruining the event for a second time in succession, Sunday was a success.
Robert Scott, 56, ran in the very first Auckland marathon in 1992. And he admits after 30 on the trot, he's slowing down a little.
"That's the hottest Auckland I've ever done," he tells Newshub.
"But I'm a weekend warrior, and happy to be a jogger around the block.
"I'm happy to still be bouncing around in my 50s, and if I'm still chugging around in my 60s - who knows."
He along with many others want to be back this October for the 2022 race, but if that will go ahead, only time will tell.
