Wānaka's own Simone Maier and Hamish Elliott are leading contenders in the upcoming Kathmandu Coast to Coast Longest Day event this Saturday (February 8).

Both athletes are ranked number one in their respective categories and are the favourites to clinch the men’s and women’s titles.

Simone is on the brink of making history as she chases her sixth victory in the women's category, which would make her the first woman to secure six titles, surpassing the legendary Kathy Lynch.

"I just love the whole circus,” Simone said. “It's such a cool community." 

"I really have a passion for the sport. I love being fit and I love pushing boundaries." 

Simone has announced this year will be her final Kathmandu Coast to Coast regardless of the outcome.

“When you are racing at that level you’re always pushing yourself to be in the best possible shape and the body is starting to make a bit of noise that it wants a bit of time off now,” she said.

“It’s such a commitment if you want to win or do well. I just want to do some other missions and not have that pressure.” 

Hamish Elliott, the defending men's champion, claimed his first title in 2024 with a remarkable time of 10 hours, 48 minutes, and 53 seconds. 

Hamish Elliot celebrates his first win in 2024 beating Tasmanian Alex Hunt by just three minutes.

Approaching this year's race with confidence, Hamish said his “approach and mentality stays the same”. 

“Just putting my best performance forward is all I’m worried about,” he said.

Hamish acknowledged the competition, especially with the return of four-time champion Sam Clark.

"I’ve been thinking a bit on how I can beat Sam and where I’ll get time on him. I’ll aim to push the run pretty hard,” he said.

The race starts on the West Coast and traverses the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide and finishing on the East Coast with the finish at the Pier on New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

The 2025 multisport event is scheduled for Friday (February 7) and Saturday (February 8). The Longest Day and One Day teams race on Saturday (February 8).

PHOTOS: Supplied