Elena Ussher's victory in the women's section of the Coast to Coast secured a first for the 30 year-old event, the first husband-and-wife combination to win the titles in the same year.
Although both Elena and Richard have won on previous occasions, Elena's title in 2010 was achieved in a year Richard did not compete. The only other couple to have each won, but in separate years, were Keith Murray (1994) and Andrea Murray (1997).
Victory for the Usshers did not come easily. Richard had to work hard to break from the shackles of fellow competitors, while Elena had her work cut out in the early stages.
Only about 5km into the alpine section was she able to break free of 2007 champion Fleur Pawsey. But a few tumbles on the run up to Big Boulders left her feeling sore and aggravated the injury to her left leg from a recent cycle accident.
But with Pawsey suffering from dehydration, Ussher was able to control her own destiny and contest her own race to eventually cross the finish with a bottle of bubbly in hand to spray around the finish area in celebration.
While she finished in a time of 13hr 25min 24sec, the day kept going backwards for Pawsey, who crossed the finish in 14hr 3min 25sec,.
Rachel Cashin (Taumaranui) was third in 14hr 5min 54sec.
Elena learned of Richard's victory while cycling into Christchurch.
"I was so happy, I just wanted to celebrate then," she said.
Richard said he and his wife always wished the best for each other while racing.
"But when we're racing we just focus on doing our own thing. It's a hard day out there and you can't split your thoughts too much."
Richard thought the Usshers went into the event reasonably fresh, from not having contested the Abu Dhabi adventure race before Christmas.
The two plan to follow their dual victory celebration up with a holiday.
A holiday from Christchurch (United Kingdom) to Christchurch (New Zealand) led to Englishman Andy Blow contesting the Longest Day on Saturday.
But little did his girlfriend, Lucy Allen, know of his ultimate plan. As Blow crossed the finish and was greeted by Allen, he went down on one knee and produced an engagement ring.
"I had this secretly planned," Blow said.
"I taped the ring to my bike and peeled it off before the run down the chute."
Toni Keeling (North Shore) backed up a top first-day performance to win the individual women's section of the two-day category.
