15 Feb 2014

Hundreds participate in Coast to Coast

8:02 pm on 15 February 2014

Conditions have been perfect for the Coast to Coast multi-sport event from the West Coast of the South Island to Sumner beach in Christchurch.

Robert Loveridge crossing the finish line.

Robert Loveridge crossing the finish line. Photo: RNZ

Eight-hundred competitors have begun arriving at the finish line on Saturday afternoon as part of either the two day or one day race which started early on Saturday morning.

Contestants must kayak for 67km, run for 36km and cycle for 140km.

Robert Loveridge has won the team event along with Paul Massey.

Wanaka's Braden Currie has won the one-day race in the multisport event, defending the title he won last year.

After leaving the West Coast's Kumara Beach at 6am on Saturday, Currie took 11 hours and 18 mins to reach the finish line in the Christchurch suburb of Sumner.

Five time winner Rich Ussher was second with a time of 11 hours and 39 minutes while Glen Currie was third in 11 hours and 57 minutes.

Wanaka's Jess Simson won the women's race beating two time winner Elina Ussher into second.

Race organiser Robyn Judkins, who was overseeing his 32nd and final Coast to Coast, said fine weather helped the competitors post quick times.

Mr Judkins said he's considering competing in next year's race for just the second time.