Wānaka’s reigning Coast to Coast champions Hamish Elliot and Simone Maier have demonstrated their dominance in multisport by emphatically reclaiming their titles at the OSM Challenge Wānaka Multi.

Hamish led the men's race from start to finish, crossing the line in 3 hours and 58 minutes, a full five minutes ahead of his closest competitors, Flavio Vianna and Anthony Chapman. 

After establishing an early lead in the kayak, Hamish maintained his advantage throughout the 43km mountain bike and 14km trail run.

"I use the fear of being caught as a reason to race hard and push on when it’s hurting,” Hamish said.

‘This race sets up spring and summer training well."

In the women’s race, Queenstown’s Catherine Atkinson took the early lead, exiting the 25km kayak leg in first place, but it was Simone Maier who stole the spotlight. 

Simone passed Catherine during the mountain bike leg and powered through to the finish, clocking a time of 4 hours and 21 minutes, an impressive 23 minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

"It was amazing,” Simone said. 

“It’s always a hard, honest, and brutal course." 

2024 OSM Challenge Wānaka Multi Champion Simone Maier took the lead on the bike leg.

More than 260 athletes tackled the picturesque course, an increase of 50 percent on 2023.

The event, known for its stunning views and challenging terrain, featured a 25km kayak on the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and the Clutha River, a 43km mountain bike ride through Wānaka’s best trails to Lake Hāwea, and a 14km trail run along the river and lakeside tracks.

Cloudy, overcast conditions provided a perfect setting for racing, and the course once again delivered testing the endurance of many.

For more information on the OSM Challenge Wānaka Multi & Duathlon and full race results, click here.

PHOTOS: Lennon Bright Photography