The fourth edition of the OSM Challenge Wānaka Multi took place on Saturday (October 28) with its biggest ever field of more than 180 participants kayaking, biking and running a total of 82km in and around Lake Wānaka.  

The weather turned on stunning blue skies and light winds, making almost perfect racing conditions. 

The men’s field saw Hamish Elliott retain his title in a time of 3:59:47, despite having a quick swim in the river. 

“For a moment I thought I was a triathlete and had a quick dip in the water,” he said. 

Hamish Elliott PHOTO: Lennon Bright

“There was a long rapid and my paddle got caught. I didn’t feel my feet until halfway through the run.”

Sam King came in second place at 4:13:05, making up an impressive six places on the run. Despite being tenth out of the kayak Lewis Wright came in third overall, and the first veteran, in a time of 4:14:29.   

Wānaka multisport legend and Coast to Coast Champion Simone Maier won the women’s race in a time of 4:32:29 (11th overall), despite recovering from a recent bout of bronchitis. 

“It was tough out there but amazing conditions,” she said. “I just had to hold on for dear life on the run.” 

Hot on her tail and less than a minute behind was Zoe Maclure. Julia Chamberlain, last year’s champion, came in third in 4:43:23. 

James McDonald won the second edition of the OSM Challenge Wānaka Duathlon in a time of 2:37:36 followed by Joseph Wilson in 2:47:51 and Tom Laming in 3:02:08 first veteran. Arna Craig won the women’s event in a time of 3:15:47.

Challenge Wānaka event director Jane Sharman said it had been an amazing day for her first event on the management side of Challenge. 

“Huge kudos to the Challenge Wānaka crew, Bill G and of course our incredible volunteers for pulling it all together,” she said.

“Congratulations to all the awesome athletes.”

Find the full results here.