Tasmanian multisport athlete Alex Hunt is aiming to become the first Australian to win New Zealand’s Coast to Coast in over 30 years.
Hunt is determined to secure victory this year, having first competed in the Coast to Coast in 2016, achieving second place in 2018 and third place twice in recent years.
Hailing from Hobart, Hunt relocated across the ditch to Christchurch for six weeks in the lead up to the event, which sees competitors bike, kayak and run from the West Coast of the South Island to the East Coast.
“It’s hands down my favourite race … It really is so totally unique,” Hunt said.
“The whole concept of racing from one side of a country to the other through incredibly stunning and difficult terrain is just brilliant.”
Hunt said time on the ground and having the ability to get out on the course prior to the 243km, two day challenge, has been invaluable.
“Having raced it three times definitely makes a difference and I think you learn the most from the first one,” he said.
“Each year you fine tune a few things, so maybe this year it’ll all run nice and smoothly.”
Speaking to Newshub, Hunt said even if he manages to win, he doesn’t anticipate receiving a hero’s welcome upon returning home to Hobart.
“Outside of my immediate family, I don’t think anyone else will really give a s–t. But for me, it would be pretty cool. That’s why I’m here. It would be amazing,” he said.
Multiple Coast to Coast events started on Friday and will finish in Christchurch over the course of the weekend.
