Kathmandu Coast to Coast
Elliott and Maier Win at this year's Kathamndu Coast to Coast
Press Release / 11.02.2024
In his fourth attempt to hoist the silverware, 29-year-old 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, clocking in at 10 hours, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds.
Known for his speed over Goat Pass in the Mountain Run, 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,” says Elliott. “It’s the smoothest race I’ve managed to put together. To win amongst these competitors is incredible.”
"It's fantastic to see Hamish claim victory. Winning this year’s event amongst such high-calibre athletes is truly impressive," adds race Director Glen Currie.
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,” says Hunt.
Christchurch's Ben Phillips rounded out the podium in third place with a time of 11 hours, 2 minutes, and 3 seconds.
Making it a double victory for Wanaka, Simone Maier claimed an impressive fifth win in the Women’s Longest Day event, finishing in 12 hours, 31 minutes, and 8 seconds. “The conditions didn’t make it easy out there today, but the harder it gets, the better it is for me,” says Maier. “It means so much to win this five times – it was a hard-fought win.”
Starting from Kumara Beach on the West Coast at 6 am, 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!” says Lund.
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 travelling from the west coast to the east coast. "It's an incredible event, and its increasing recognition amongst athletes, supporters, and sponsors is undoubtedly positive," says Currie.
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