MOUNTAIN RUNNING

All Black legend Richie McCaw joins wife Gemma in Kathmandu Coast to Coast

By enthuse media & events

All Black Legend Richie McCaw was a late entry in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, joining his wife Gemma in the 30 kilometre mountain running event on Friday.

“I’ve always wanted to do the mountain run of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, and this year with Gemma doing it, it was a great chance,” McCaw said. “It’s such a magnificent part of the country to run through; it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. It’s good to do it while the race is on, it adds a little bit extra and I enjoyed it.’”

McCaw wasn’t waiting for his wife, finishing in 11th place in four hours and 20 minutes, while Black Stick Gemma finished just under an hour later.

He injured both legs after slipping on rocks which requiring post-race stitches, something the 36-year-old said “will heal, I've had worse."

McCaw, the most capped test rugby player of all time, said he could see the attraction of doing the entire event which includes kayaking and cycling as well as the mountain run. “It’s a bug, and I can see how its something you want to tick off, so maybe one day.”

He had hoped to complete the course in under four hours but was slowed down during the riverbed stretch of the race. Weighing about 100 kilograms, about eight less than he did as an All Black, Richie said he was "probably" as fit as he was before he retired in 2015, just in a different way.

“It's not doing the old gym work like I used to, you lose a bit of conditioning," he said. “But I still try to do something each day, to keep things ticking over; don’t want to let the rust settle in.”
Gemma was disappointed with her time but did she was "very" tempted to compete in the two-day event in the future.
 
Richie McCaw, who was a late entry in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, joining his wife Gemma in the 30 kilometre mountain running event, tackles the boulders. Credit: Marathon-Photos.com

 
TRIATHLON
Top International Professionals enter Challenge Wanaka
Challenge Wanaka continues to attract triathlon's big names to the shores of Lake Wanaka in 2019, with some of the world's best confirming their participation. American triathlon powerhouse, Andrew Starykowicz will be certainly pushing the envelope in Wanaka.
Saturday, 5 January 2019
MULTISPORT
Breca Swimrun Launches National Championships
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
CYCLING
Captivating Finishes at BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
Epic results unfolded today at the 42nd annual BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge.
Monday, 26 November 2018
MULTISPORT
Wanaka athlete crowned 25thPeak to Peak supreme winner
Stunning bluebird weather greeted competitors at the 25thannual Torpedo7 Peak to Peak multisport race Saturday.
Monday, 13 August 2018
TRIATHLON
Taupo named as finalist in race to host 2020 Ironman 70.3 World Championship
IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced today that Perth, Western Australia and Taupō, New Zealand have been named finalists to host the IRONMAN®70.3® World Championship triathlon which will rotate to the Oceania region in 2020.
Wednesday, 13 June 2018

News Index »