The Bay of Plenty has long been home to top athletes, however multisporters have flown relatively low on the radar.

Over recent years, a growing number of multisporters have chosen the Bay as their home thanks to easy access to trails for running, hills for cycling and rivers for kayaking – all of which has allowed these people to train hard in preparation for races such as the Coast to Coast.

Coupled with the environment, local athletes are supported by local business like Ruahine Kayaks and Beyond PT.

They also have access to regular races, like the Motu Challenge or the Waihi Nugget.

These have all helped them to achieve some great results, with the 2018 Coast to Coast showing our growing dominance in the sport.

The Coast to Coast is New Zealand’s iconic multisport race.

It’s a race that’s known to challenge, if not break all competitors who come before it.

Anyone who crosses the finishing line can consider themselves a true champion, no matter how long it takes them.

Starting on the beach near the tiny Westcoast settlement of Kumara, the race consists of multiple stages that cross the Southern Alps with competitors ultimately finishing 243km later on the beach at New Brighton in Christchurch.

Done as either a one or two day option, the course consists of a 2.

2km run, 55km cycle, 30km mountain run, 15km road cycle, 70km whitewater kayak, and finishes with a 70km road cycle.

The best one-day athletes do all this in around 11 hours, while many amateurs take around 20 hours spaced out over two days.

Bay of Plenty kayaker Tim Taylor competed in the winning three man team.

“The 70km whitewater paddle is a thing of both beauty and fear,” says Tim.

“The sheer distance makes it a challenge for anyone, however, when combined with your race nerves, the towering Waimak Gorge, and numerous dead ends through the braided section, it’s a tough paddle.

” This year’s Coast to Coast was run over February 9-10.

A huge congratulations to the following Bay of Plenty athletes for their results:Sam Clarke, winner of the 2018 (as well as 2017 and 2016) Elite Men’s Longest Day.

Oliver Thompson, winner of the Open Men’s (18-39) Longest Day.

Team Ruahine (Tim Taylor, George Williams, James McTavish), winner of 2 Day Open Men’s Team.

Team Jaggs (Dave and Sophie Jaggs), 3rd place, Open Tandem Teams.

Bobbie Dean, 6th place, Elite Men’s Longest Day.

Ben Tallon, 2nd place, Veteran Men’s Longest Day.

Corrinne O’Donnell, 5th place, Elite Women’s Longest Day.

Anna Barret, 7th place, Elite Women’s Longest Day.