Hāwea Flat biathlete Campbell Wright won this year’s 42km Merino Muster in just under two hours (1:59:25) at the Snow Farm on Saturday (September 3).

Ross Hamiton of Australia was second (2:19:21) and Ian Hardenbergh third (2:24:05).

The weather was a mixed bag, with periods of light snow and bright sunshine, but it was a lively atmosphere among the 93 competitors and the crowd of supporters.

Campbell set a blistering pace on his home track and scorched ahead of competitors from Australia, Canada and the USA.

Wānaka’s Nicole David was the first female home in the 42km race, at 2:41:11, followed by the Snow Farm’s Alanna Butler (2:45:14) then Sonja Mueller (2:49:12).

The eldest competitor in the 42km race was 82-year-old German Worldloppet master Hr. Hans Dieter Rebstock. Seventeen of the competitors were Worldloppet Masters who have skied all 16 Worldloppet races - of which the Merino Muster is one.

A kiwi competitor gained a lot of support.

Read more: International skiers return for Merino Muster

The youngest competitor was Wānaka’s Nova Gillam (16) who was testing her long distance capability.

The Merino Muster combines five races: The prestigious 42km Merino Muster, 21km Snow Rake, 14km Double Fleece (new this season), the 7km Straggle Muster, and the 1km Mini Muster for the under 10s.

Find the full results here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App