Challenge Accepted: Athletes Triumph in Tough Conditions

After five years of near-perfect race days, the 2025 HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi and Duathlon reminded everyone what multisport is really about — grit, adaptability, and the spirit to keep going when nature has other plans.

For many athletes, this event was to be a good hit-out to start the season and a valuable training opportunity ahead of the Coast to Coast. But the day didn’t go according to plan for Multi athletes. Strong winds cancelled the kayak leg, forcing organisers to make a rapid call — transforming the race into a 43km muddy mountain bike followed by a 14km trail run that tested everyone’s strength and resilience.

“The growth of the race this year has been awesome, with over 20% more athletes taking part,” said Bill Godsall, Race Director. “It’s fantastic to see so many younger athletes getting involved, as well as first-timers giving multisport a go. While the weather forced us to cancel the kayak leg, the safety of every athlete is always our top priority. Even with the changes, the energy, determination, and sportsmanship on display today was inspiring — it’s exactly what this race is all about.”

The cancellation also shook up the usual order. Local Multisporter Simone Maier, a four-time champion returning from surgery, and experienced adventure racer Elina Ussher, both incredibly strong kayakers, would have been expected to had a solid lead off the water. With the kayak off the agenda, the race became highly competitive, giving rising stars and local talent like Emily Trevail and Natalie Phillips the opportunity to shine.

HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Multi Results

Defending Champ Hamish Elliott made home first, claiming the overall men’s title in 2:32. The 2024 Coast to Coast winner made it four consecutive Challenge Wānaka Multi wins in a row, holding off rising multisport star Jordan Gough(the current U23 Coast to Coast champion) by just one minute. 2025 Two-day Coast to Coast Champ Sam King rounded out the podium in third, showcasing his trademark toughness in testing conditions.

Elliott said ‘I was pushed hard by Dean Stewart on the bike he actually passed me but then had a crash’. Elliott and Steward had the fastest bike of the day, ticking off the muddy 43km in 1 hour 40 mins.

In the women’s race, Emily Trevail — herself a two-day Coast to Coast champion (in 2025) — powered to victory in 2:48, initially thinking she was chasing Maier before discovering she was leading. Local favourite Natalie Phillips impressed with second place in 2:56, followed by Maier in third, rounding out a competitive field.

HiveEnergy Challenge Wānaka Duathlon Results

The 2025 Challenge Wānaka Duathlon saw a more than 70% increase in entries this year, and the racing was fast and competitive from start to finish.

In the men’s race, six athletes arrived at transition together after the bike leg, but it was Stephen Woodwark who surged ahead on the run to take the win in 2:34, just under four minutes clear of Hunter Gough. Local Bryce Dunlop crossed in 2:39 to finish third overall and claim the veteran category title.

In the women’s race, last year’s winner, local Xterra athlete and defending champion Maeve Williams, showed she’s happy to embrace a bit of suffering — and it paid off. Williams dominated again, crossing the line 14 minutes ahead of Johanna Jagger and Sam Read in the open category to take the title for another year.

Some tricky conditions, and plenty of strong performances made for a really exciting day of racing.

While the weather may not have delivered blue skies, it brought stories of resilience, camaraderie, and determination. From seasoned pros to first-time competitors, every athlete who crossed the line earned their place in the Challenge Wānaka story.

Because sometimes, it’s not about perfect conditions — it’s about showing up, embracing the challenge, and finishing what you started.

FULL RESULTS HERE

HiveEnergy Challenge Wanaka Multi

Overall Male