Both were made to work hard for their victories with strong challenges put to them, particularly over the first half of the course.
For Richard, winning his fifth title was made even more special with the victory recorded by Elena, her second.
Richard first won the title in 2005 and repeated this in 2006, 2008 and 2011, while Elena won her first title in 2010, but was denied back-to-back victories last year through a stunning performance from fellow Nelsonian Sophie Hart.
Both took control of there races on the kayak stage, with Richard winning in a time of 11:33:24, and Elena in 13:25:23.
Despite Wanaka's Dougal Allan hitting the wall at Goat Pass, he recovered on the 70km cycle stage into Christchurch to recorded his third consecutive second place, recording 11:52:3, with Wanaka's new resident multisport resident Braden Currie third in 11:57:46.
It was a stunning ride from Allan as coming off the alpine section he was alone, losing time and drifting in fourth place. But a second wind hit him on the 70km bike into Christchurch where he over took Wellington's James Coubrough and early leader Currie, while clawing back a 10 minute deficit.
"A fourth second could well be on the cards,'' Allan said of his plans to compete next year.
Currie repeated the result of his brother Glen, who finished third in the Longest Day last year.
