Allan wins Wanaka Challenge again

Dougal Allan celebrates at the race finish line. Photo: Getty Images
Dougal Allan celebrates at the finish line. Photo: Getty Images

Local sportsman Dougal Allan has won the men's Challenge Wanaka title for the second year in a row.


Not only did he defend his title against a strong elite field, Allan also broke the course record set by Richard Usher in 2010.

He crossed the line in a time of 08hrs 26min 38sec - almost eight minutes faster than Usher's record setting time of 8hrs 34min 41sec.

After taking the lead at the 160km point on the bike leg, Allan lead all the way through the 42.2km run to the finish line.

With temperatures reaching the mid to high twenties and very little wind, Allan said it was not the most enjoyable race he's ever taken part in.

"It was really really tough out there and I'm just really pleased to win the race.

"Everyone has to go through some really uncomfortable things out there and winning it makes it all the more bearable."

Second place went to Mike Phillips, of Christchurch, crossing the line in 8hrs 32min, which would have also broken the course record.

In a repeat of last years women's race,  Yvonne van Vlerken, of the Netherlands, defended her title crossing the line in front of Laura Siddal of the United Kingdom.

At one stage Siddal was leading, but the experience Vlerken was able to make up the time take the lead during the run. 

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