Australian Alex Hunt and New Zealander Deborah Lynch have claimed victory in the prestigious Coast to Coast Longest Day multi-sport race.
Hunt triumphed in the men’s event on his seventh attempt, finishing in 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 20 seconds, while Lynch secured the women’s title after a hard-fought race. The competition stretched 243 kilometres, requiring athletes to run, kayak, and cycle from Kumara Beach to New Brighton.
Hunt, 33, became the first Australian since 1993 to win the men’s race, defeating defending champion Hamish Elliott by four minutes. Elliott had led for much of the race, but Hunt seized the lead during the kilometre kayak stage and maintained it through the final cycling leg. Hunt credited his partner Maggie and their two-year-old daughter for their support, saying their move to New Zealand earlier this year was key to his training.
Deborah Lynch achieved her victory with a powerful kayaking performance and a determined finish on the cycling leg. She overcame Simone Maier, a five-time champion of the event, who finished in second place. Lynch admitted she didn’t believe she had won until crossing the finish line, calling the achievement “unbelievable.” Maier praised Lynch’s performance, saying, “Whoever beats me deserves it, and today Debbie had an amazing race.”
This year’s Coast to Coast marked the end of Maier’s Longest Day career, while Hunt reflected on finally achieving his dream after years of near-misses.
