Wānaka athlete Braden Currie has earned himself first place at the Coast to Coast’s 40th anniversary event ahead of last year’s Coast to Coast Champion Dougal Allan (second) and Ryan Kiesanowski (third), in a time of nine hours 45 minutes and 23 seconds.

Braden planned to race Ironman New Zealand in the coming weeks but when he heard the event had been cancelled (just 40 hours before the beginning of the Coast to Coast) he made the last minute decision to race Coast to Coast.

Braden said it was “a huge decision” to enter Coast to Coast.

“I've always wanted to come back and race Coast to Coast. It was amazing to be back racing in the natural environment and the course is a favourite. To go back to where it all started and have an experience like this feels incredible. It means a lot to me.”

Braden Currie with his brother Glen.

Braden said the Ironman training he has undertaken over the past five years meant his cycling had come a long way, but having not done any “real” mountain trail running or kayaking for years he felt lucky to get ahead of Dougal. 

“I had a great day - a good run, bike and paddle. I knew the river would be high so as long as I stayed in the fast water and kept my boat up the right way I hoped I wouldn't lose too much time - luckily that happened,” he said.

Setting off from Kumara on the West Coast, Braden rode in a bunch with Bobby Dean, Dougal Allan, Sam Manson and Ryan Kiesanowski for a good part of the first 55km ride. 

Arriving at Atkins Corner Braden was in the lead before transitioning to the run. He continued to build time over Goats Pass, resulting in about a nine-minute lead on Bobby Dean.

Braden gained a 14 minute lead on the others in the transition to the 112km bike, with a 20 minute lead on Dougal going into the kayak on the lower Waimakariri River.  

It was his last race in New Zealand before heading to Utah in May for the Ironman World Championships.

Wānaka’s Simone Maier won the women’s race for the third time (on her birthday) in a time of 11:52:18. Elina Ussher was second in 12:00:04, and Fiona Dowling third in 12:02:51.

PHOTOS: Supplied