Winners Richard Ussher and Gina Crawford paid tribute to the support from the crowd at the Challenge Wanaka triathlon on Saturday.
Ussher, of Nelson, said the support in his maiden appearance at the event was "absolutely unbelievable".
"People were calling my name everywhere.
I wasn't feeling 100% on the run home, but the support helps you push on," he said.
Crawford, of Christchurch, who returned for her third straight victory at an event she has made her own, said the crowd carried her through the bad patches she experienced when stomach cramps and heat took their toll during the gruelling run.
"I love this race. It's a real strength course and you push yourself from start to finish. Everyone in the crowd gets in behind you," she said.
Challenge Wanaka was a lead-in race to a defence of the New Zealand women's Ironman title in Taupo in March, she said.
While the race course was a "stunning" one on which to compete, Ussher said it was also deceptively tough.
"It's certainly a lot tougher than you think. The off-road run is a lot easier on the body, but it's very up and down and that takes its toll.
"It's an absolute relief to get to the end. With the crowd all there cheering you on, it's so great to finish."
