Record field contests gruelling ‘Longest Day’
TWO days, 243 kilometres and a record 1330 athletes – now in it’s 41st year, the Kathmandu Coast to Coast has become a rite of passage for many multi-sport athletes.
After going ahead in a reduced format last year because of Covid, this year’s event attracted some of New Zealand’s top sportsmen and women, like All Black legend Richie McCaw.
Organisers said yesterday’s ‘‘Longest Day’’ race took place in quintessential Coast to Coast conditions thanks to blue skies, high cloud and a building easterly as the competitors headed for the New Brighton finish line.
Dropping river levels meant compulsory portage for all kayakers at the halfway rapid and they were expecting some fast times, said spokeswoman Hollie Woodhouse.
And by the end of the day two familiar names had crossed the line first in the men’s and women’s races. In a men’s field with no returning champions, Sam Manson bettered his 2021 second place by claiming top honours while the evergreen German-born, Wā naka-based Simone Maier celebrated her birthday early
(she’ll be 43 tomorrow) by winning the women’s race for the fourth time.
The Coast to Coast was pioneered in 1982, using the same course that is raced today, but its numbers have grown over the years, from an initial 79-strong field to today’s event, where demand for places outstrips supply.
With numbers strictly limited by a DOC concession allowing up to 1000 athletes over Goat Pass, places are decided by ballot. And because interest in next year’s ballot is expected to be high, including from overseas now that borders are open, entries have already been opened, a month early.