Porirua athlete Deb Lynch has etched her name into the history books, winning the elite women’s Kathmandu Coast to Coast Longest Day title in her third attempt.
Lynch, 30, completed the grueling 243-kilometre multisport race in 13 hours, 6 minutes, and 11 seconds, holding off five-time defending champion Simone Maier by four minutes. The race concluded at New Brighton Beach in Christchurch on Saturday.
Taking the lead at Klondyke Corner, Lynch maintained a three-minute advantage over Maier and extended it further during the early stages of the 70-kilometre kayak leg through the Waimakariri Gorge.
“It’s amazing to finish on top after coming so close before,” Lynch said. “I was not letting up the whole way. Even on that last stretch along the boulevard, I was thinking, ‘She could come,’ so I was redlining the whole way.”
Maier, chasing a historic sixth consecutive title, graciously acknowledged Lynch’s dominant performance.
“It was fantastic,” Maier said. “I wanted to race, and I did say whoever beats me deserves it. Today, Debbie had an amazing race.”
Veteran competitor Elina Ussher, a two-decade stalwart of the event, rounded out the podium, finishing about 15 minutes behind Lynch—an improvement from her fourth-place finish last year.
Race Director Glen Currie praised Lynch’s determination and resilience.
“Deb’s win in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast Longest Day is a testament to her talent and perseverance,” Currie said. “Facing off against a field of world-class athletes, she has clearly shown what it takes to be a champion.”
Lynch’s victory marks a breakthrough moment in her Coast to Coast journey, proving that persistence and endurance can lead to ultimate success.
