Months of hard work and determination to succeed saw a Whakatāne long-distance runner win an ultramarathon in his first attempt.

Kendan Gibson took out the TaupŌ Ultra Marathon 70 kilometres around Lake Taupo, which started at Richardson’s Farm on Hingarae Road then went through the likes of Puketapu, Kawakawa Bay, Lisland and Kinloch, before finishing at Whakaipo Bay.

His time of six hours and nine minutes was two minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
Winning the race was a nice surprise for Gibson, who had put in plenty of training.
“The race went very well from the get-go. The body and mind were feeling good on the morning of the event, so I stuck to my speed and nutrition plan for the duration of the race.

“With only 15km left to go, I started to enter the pain cave with my quads screaming at me. I had to grit my teeth on the final section around the Headland Loop to Whakaipo Bay [finish] where it was more the mental strength that got me through to the finish line than my fitness.”

Gibson said he always enjoyed a challenge, which was what made him enter the race.

“This was my first time doing a 70km race and my second ultramarathon. The course was a new one this year, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This one was special, with months of hard yards of training to achieve my personal goal. It was an unreal feeling and was worth gritting my teeth to get to the end and take the win. My superstar support crew of Karin and Lauren were amazing.”

Capable of tackling various multisport and cycling events, Gibson has been focused on running of late.

“I love a challenge and it's good to have a focus when I'm training. The sillier the race, the better. I’m always trying to push the body to see what it is capable of and learn from the experience.”

Something he never expected was to become the new course record holder.

“I went in with the aim of being competitive but was surprised to be leading the field from the get-go. A course record wasn't on my mind; this was certainly a bonus.”

Gibson showed incredible dedication in the leadup to the event.
“It was six months of 100km of running each week; some weeks averaging 140km. Days involved work, training, eating and sleeping.”

Next up for Gibson, who has also competed in the running leg of the Coast to Coast, is the Queenstown Marathon on Saturday.

He’s been really enjoying his running and if anybody out there has an idea for the next crazy event he can tackle, feel free to pop in and see him at Lazer Photos and Cameras in Whakatāne.