41st Kathmandu Coast to Coast

Zefa Fa'avae Sets New Record at Kathmandu Coast to Coast Mountain Run Event

Press Release / 09.02.2024

The Kathmandu Coast to Coast witnessed an inspiring display of athleticism as Nelson’s Zefa Fa'avae stormed to victory in this year's Mountain Run event. Fa'avae's remarkable performance not only secured him the winner's trophy but also saw him shave six minutes off his father's record (multisport legend Nathan Fa'avae) at the same age, finishing in an impressive time of 3 hours, 14 minutes, and 49 seconds.

Setting off from Aickens Corner at 8am in ideal weather conditions, the 18-year-old tackled the challenging 30.5km course up the Deception River and over Goat Pass. “I'm really happy with how the day unfolded; I got to the finish line feeling good. The rivers weren’t too deep, so choosing lines was easier up the river,” says Zefa. “My goal was to beat Dad’s time, so I'm happy I managed to do that.”

Switching to a support crew role, Nathan was proud to watch his son take the win. “Every year, various conditions change the course. I thought he might beat me, as he’s a better runner than I was at his age,” adds Nathan.

"It's super impressive that Zefa has managed to clinch Nathan’s time; it’s great to see another young athlete making themselves known at the Kathmandu Coast to Coast," says Race Director Glen Currie.

In second place was Auckland’s Daryl Priestley, finishing 20 minutes behind Fa'avae with a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 50 seconds, while Paul Odlin rounded out the Men’s podium in 3 hours and 52 minutes.

Storming home in third overall and taking out the Female Mountain Run category was Hobart’s Maggie Lennox, partner to Longest Day #4 Seed Alex Hunt, finishing in 3 hours, 48 minutes, and 16 seconds.

Running amongst a group of girls, Lennox opted for a left line while the rest took the right. This decision proved costly, resulting in her losing time. She only managed to catch them as she crossed the top of Goat Pass. From here, she took the lead all the way to the finish despite rolling her ankle with seven kilometres to go. “It was just a matter of one foot after the other to get to the finish line,” said Lennox.

Otakiri’s Kate Moore followed closely behind, finishing in 3 hours, 51 minutes, and 37 seconds, securing the second spot in the Female Mountain Run category, while Susannah Lynch claimed the third position, completing the race in 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 45 seconds.