The Kathmandu Coast to Coast is set for another showdown as top-ranked men's elite athlete Hamish Elliot returns to the start line, determined to reclaim the title after a mistake cost him last year’s race. 

The Wānaka-based athlete claimed his maiden victory in the 2024 Longest Day, stopping the clock at 10 hours, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds. 

However he failed to repeat that performance last year where he finished in second place behind Australian Alex Hunt after a critical mishap.

Early in the race, Hamish suffered a fall at the first river crossing, injuring his knee and losing a soft flask with 200 grams of carbohydrates. 

The accident left him with just 90 grams of carbohydrates to fuel the final three-hour run across the Southern Alps. 

“I knew I’d be rationing my nutrition while knowing it would be nowhere near enough to keep me fuelled,” Hamish said.

While he managed to maintain his lead throughout the first half of the day, his race began to unravel during the gruelling 70km kayak stage down the Waimakariri River. 

“I hit a wall just before Hamiltons Rapid and I thought I was out of the race - no power whatsoever. Coca Cola was my only hope but even trying to sip it down on a very empty energy system wasn’t doing much. 

“To be honest it got tough. I was completely empty.” 

It was a humbling lesson but one Hamish seems to have learned from with an impressive set of recent race results, including first in the Twizel Hard Labour event, first in the Challenge Wānaka Multisport Race, first in the Mission Mt Somers Half Marathon (a new course record), and third overall in the Clutha Classic Kayak race (first in open men’s).

Hamish is tight-lipped about his Coast to Coast strategy this year but admits the mountain run (which he has historically dominated) will be his opportunity to make his move.

“I don't give too much away but people can probably read it. I’ll go out pretty hard on the run [and] see if anyone comes with me.” 

PHOTOS: Early Bird Media