The Solar Eclipse Marathon has been hailed a success after well over four hundred athletes toughed it out in grueling conditions on Wednesday.

While the winners (Mike Le Roux for the men and Inez Anne Haagen for the women) were off the course in just over three hours, other competitors battled the elements including energy-sapping heat for up to eight hours.

Pictured above: Steve Moneghetti turns for home for a fourth place finish.

Anticipation was high at the starting line at the southern end of Four Mile Beach, and as the eclipse passed, competitor's minds turned to the challenge that lay ahead.

The adventure marathon took in the infamous Bump Track.

See RACE RESULTS on the Adventure Marathon Facebook Page.

"Oh my God, that thing just goes on forever," said Geoffrey, a young American running in his first ever marathon. His sentiments were no doubt shared by hundreds of others.

Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti, who went into the race with a niggling calf injury, commented on his appreciation of the course, and stayed at the finish line at Rex Smeal Park until the very last competitor had arrived.

One such competitor was a devil-horned 71 year-old man competing in his 88th marathon.

With the success of Wednesday's event comes great anticipation of the second running of the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival in November 2013.

Pictured below: Steve Moneghetti and local triathlete Nick Carling.