Fast finishes in tough long NZOC25 terrain

The NZOC 2025 Long course featured plenty of climbing in steep, rough, rocky terrain which made the stakes high on the key decision-making choices. Later in the day, the rain set in adding to the challenge and making it more slippery underfoot.

In men’s elite, the rivalry between Felix Hunt and Zefa Fa’avae was fiercely contested, with Felix Hunt winning by just 22 seconds. Not far behind, Matt Ogden crossed the line in third, finishing 3 minutes and 43 seconds later.

In the men’s junior 20E category, Jake McLellan claimed the top spot. Oscar Burns, whose route choice led him through some challenging green, followed 10 minutes and 28 seconds behind. Marcus Brennan rounded out the top three, finishing just over 12 minutes after the leader. 

In the women’s elite race, Lizzie Ingham was seen to make a fast slide into the second-to-last control, securing victory over Kaia Jorgensen by 2 minutes and 48 seconds. Renee Beveridge claimed third place, finishing 9 minutes and 36 seconds behind the leader.

In the junior 20E women’s category, Rachel Baker led through the hilly terrain, with Tide Fa’avae trailing by 2 minutes and 26 seconds. Katherine Babington followed closely, finishing 3 minutes and 11 seconds back.

M21E
1. Felix Hunt PP 1:42:17 
2. Zefa Fa’avae NL 1:42:39 +0:22 
3. Matt Ogden NL 1:46:00 +3:43

M20E
1. Jake McLellan HV 1:24:14 
2. Oscar Burns BP 1:34:42 +10:28 
3. Marcus Brennan BP 1:36:18 +12:04

M21E
1. Lizzie Ingham WN 1:32:36 
2. Kaia Jorgensen PP 1:35:24 +2:48 
3. Renee Beveridge NW 1:42:12 +9:36

W20E
1. Rachel Baker WN 1:13:19 
2. Tide Fa’avae NL 1:15:45 +2:26 
3. Katherine Babington PP 1:16:30 +3:11