Another bucket list event was ticked off over the weekend by Cook Islands father and son duo, Kevin and Thomas Henderson, completing the two-day Kathmandu Coast to Coast in South Island, New Zealand.

The famous multisport race begins at Serpentine Beach on the West Coast of the South Island, a quick cycle, a run over Goats Pass and a 70-kilometre kayak down the Waimakariri River before finishing with a final 70km cycle to New Brighton beach on the East Coast near Christchurch.

With the pair having no previous experience crossing the mountain track or kayaking down the Waimakariri River prior to the starting gun, simply crossing the finish line after the 243km event was the only goal.

Thomas, who has lived in Greymouth since 2020, said doing the event with his dad was a truly special moment.

“Proud to have done it with Dad. Dad is 69 in July, and the fact that he’s done it is an awesome milestone for him.

“Having conquered the mountain pass on Day 1 for the first time with Dad, who has not experienced it before was an even playing field for both of us and a chance to see the beautiful scenery.

“The fact that we haven’t done any kayaking in New Zealand since December but still managed to finish the leg under 7 hours was awesome.”

A crucial part of the event is each athlete’s support crew who are responsible for getting the gear ready at each transition site, Thomas said he and Kevin couldn’t have done it without there’s.

“We had a phenomenal group, Jai and Tom who got us ready up along the way as well as Mum, my partner Jaimie and our good friend Matthew who set up base camp and provided back up along the whole way.

“It is a massive two days for everyone involved but we had such fun with our group.”

The pair reached New Brighton beach just after 6.30pm on Saturday and Thomas said crossing the line with his two kids was a real highlight.

“Seeing everyone at the finish, still cheering us over the line but also having my two kids with me was really special.”

With under a month to recover, next up for Kevin will be his 19^th Ironman Taupo on March 2.

As for whether we will see either Henderson again on the start line of future Coast to Coast races, Thomas said yes.

“I definitely have the bug. If I can secure a spot on the start line for next year, I will definitely give it another crack. It is a phenomenal event and I’d love to see what I can do on my second go around.”