How it all began …

by Aaron Carter

As you’ve all hopefully heard by now, I’m very excited to announce the inaugural Coastal Challenge Series being launched this year. It’s been a dream of mine ever since we held the inaugural Coastal Challenge event (and second-ever Total Sport event) back in 2001 along the magnificent North Shore coastline.

Many of you have taken on the Coastal Challenge at some stage during the past 13 years but most of you probably don’t know how this very unique event came to be. So settle in, it’s story time…

Thirteen or so years ago, a bunch of Kiwi lads – Jon Ackland, Paul Dunphy and their (self-made) ‘Motley Crew’ of mates decided they needed to do something big they could claim as their own, as well as get in some ‘off-road’ (to say the least!) training in preparation for Ironman New Zealand.

So the Motley Crew’s annual ‘Sausage Run’ (let me explain!) was born; a 33km mission from Arkles Bay in Whangaparoa to Devonport, run at high-tide, with sausages and beer on their backs!

It was no mean feat. They were carrying raw meat in their packs through waters frequented by hammerhead sharks – added to the challenge was the fact that beer is heavy, and in some parts (as many of you will know!) the course necessitated less of a run and more of a swim, scramble, rock-hop and/or wade. But these challenges aside, the informal training event was a success.

So much so that the Motley Crew thought more people might be keen to have a go at their ‘Sausage Run’. When good friend from university days Paul Dunphy mentioned it to me in the early days of Total Sport, I jumped at the opportunity; who wouldn’t, the Coast to Coast right in our backyard!

And here we are – 13 years and thousands of kilometres later. Staying true to its roots, there’s still a barbie and Speight’s at the end of the Coastal Challenge, and will continue to be at each event as we embark on this new era with the national Coastal Challenge Series.

Can’t wait!

Aaron Carter
Owner / Director
Total Sport