"Do it for them" – I AM HOPE – Coast to Coast Longest Day Challenge

Wow and just like that it was one week ago today that I was nervously triple checking we had everything for race day with my amazing support crew in Greymouth (Credit Leesa, Dalice, Geoff and Missy)!

I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who got behind me and supported IAMHope though your donations. To date we have had just under 70 individuals and businesses donate to the cause raising almost $8,000 which will make a real difference to supporting youth mental health in NZ.

Racing on Saturday there were countless occasions where I reflected the "why", and that combined with the support from almost 70 of you who got behind the cause really kept me moving when things got tough both physically and mentally.

I completed the race in 15hours and 55minutes which was fortunately within my goal of sub 16 hours. The river was flowing low on the day (50CMc's), so all times including the winner (massive kudos to Sam Manson who won the longest day in 11hrs and 40 minutes, Sam's 11th attempt at the title) were about an hour longer than a more "normal" flow.

A few highlights of the race were the mountain run coming down from the summit of Goat Pass, i ended up breaking away with a group of four and we really pushed each other and ran all the way to 2km from the end of the run together. The start of the paddle was also a highlight, the first two hours were great fun navigating the braided sections at a low flow and also giving the lags a rest. The lower and more challenging times were towards the end of the kayak in a brutal head wind. The Kayak leg ended up taking 5hrs and 45 minutes, so the shoulders were well toast! Riding into Christchurch was also a massive high!

Again thank you everyone for your support, I am truly humbled to have the backing of such an amazing group of people!

Cheers Ryan