Last gasp at finish line

Waimate's Reuben Allan was running on empty when he crossed the line at the Coast to Coast.

The athlete completed the one-day event in 14 hours, 55 minutes.

"I felt good all through the race but had a tough patch about eight and a half hours into it, about two hours into the kayak stage," he said. "I felt better on the the last cycle leg but was running on empty at the finish line, which is to be expected."

Allan is no stranger to the multisport event, competing in the two-day in 2005 and the teams' race last year.

This year however, was the first time he had competed in the one-day event. "I was nervous, but excited to be there and I was ready for the challenge, it's a great atmosphere," he said.

There are no pit stops or breaks for the one-day competitors and there is no time to slow down.

"I was absolutely knackered. Every muscle hurt and I was mentally tired," he said.

The finish was special for Allan, crossing the line with his two boys before enjoying a can of Speights.

"I really enjoyed it," he said.

"It is the ultimate New Zealand event and always will be."

Allan said his training was good but he could improve his kayaking skills and mountain running.

"But most of all I would do three or four big training days of 10 hours-plus over November and December," he said.

"Your body needs to be used to going for that long."

Allan said he was a bit sore to decide about competing next year, but would definitely take part again.