Elliott wins Coast to Coast

In his fourth attempt to hoist the silverware, Wānaka’s Hamish Elliott clinched a nail-biter in this year’s Elite men's field to claim the 42nd Kathmandu Coast to Coast Multisport World Championship title.

He clocked in at 10 hours, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds.

Making it a double victory for Wānaka, Simone Maier claimed an impressive fifth win in the Women’s Longest Day event, finishing in 12 hours, 31 minutes, and 8 seconds.

Known for his speed over Goat Pass in the Mountain Run, 29-year-old Elliott knew he needed to push himself to the limit to secure the title. With a five-minute advantage off the mountain over eventual second-place finisher Australia’s Alex Hunt, Elliott maintained his lead all the way to New Brighton.

“This is the pinnacle,” Elliott says. “It’s the smoothest race I’ve managed to put together. To win amongst these competitors is incredible.”

Race Director Glen Currie says it's fantastic to see Hamish claim victory.

"Winning this year’s event among such high-calibre athletes is truly impressive," Currie says.

With only three minutes separating the top two men, the emotion on Hunt’s face spoke volumes as he slowly ascended the steps at New Brighton. Holding second place from early on in the run, Hunt gave his all to close the gap but fell short.

“I knew it would be challenging to close the gap, especially with the nor’ west winds against me. Despite narrowing the eight-minute gap to three off the river, it just wasn’t enough,” Hunt says.

Christchurch's Ben Phillips rounded out the podium in third place with a time of 11 hours, 2 minutes, and 3 seconds.

Simone Maier was delighted with her victory.

“The conditions didn’t make it easy out there today, but the harder it gets, the better it is for me,” Maier says. “It means so much to win this five times – it was a hard-fought win.”

Starting from Kumara Beach on the West Coast at 6am, the top women found themselves riding together in the second main group. Running as a unit up to Goat Pass, the competition was fierce, but it was 5th seed Deborah Lynch who surged ahead onto her bike.

With Simone hot on her heels and Lund a whisker behind, it was Lund who managed to move into second as she crossed the line in New Brighton. “I feel like I’ve won. Second is amazing!” Lund says.

Christchurch’s Fiona Dowling secured third place, finishing just under 13 hours with a time of 12 hours, 58 minutes, and 31 seconds.

In what is regarded as the largest multisport event globally, the 42nd edition of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast witnessed another sold-out field, with athletes traveling from the west coast to the east coast.

"It's an incredible event, and its increasing recognition among athletes, supporters, and sponsors is undoubtedly positive," Currie says.