Race week has arrived. 
And yes… in the words of Flight of the Conchords — it’s business time.

Helen Gillespie
Six years on from significant health challenges, Helen has the Longest Day firmly in her sights.
After having to pull out before the kayak last time, 2026 is different:

• The preparation has been done

• The belief is there

• This is her moment

An inspiring reminder of why we toe the line.

Glen Currie – Race Director
The man steering the ship as race day approaches. Glen shares:

• Key messages for athletes heading into the big day

• Final race-week reminders

• Who to keep an eye on when it comes to podium contenders

🎧 Tune in. Lock in. It’s Coast to Coast week.

The start line is in sight and we’re kicking off our final Kathmandu Podcast before race day with a two part series. This episode we catch up with :

Toby Brookes

Last year’s fastest paddler on the Waimak and the anchor of Richard & Angus’ Coast to Coast team.
We chat:

• What does the new boat look like?

• How’s he shaping up heading into the big day?

• What it really takes to be fastest when it counts

Megan Welch – CEO, Kathmandu
A passionate leader who truly walks (and runs) the talk. Megan shares:

• How Kathmandu has helped shape the feel and future of Kathmandu Coast to Coast

• 10 years of partnership — and what’s next

• Training updates for the Mountain Run (even when weather throws a curveball)

• The special connection between Kathmandu and her Coast to Coast goal

This is about more than racing — it’s about people, purpose, and what Coast to Coast truly stands for.

🎧 Listen now and get race-week ready

In this episode, we welcome Gemma McCaw, Kathmandu Ambassador, Coast to Coast athlete, and passionate advocate for getting more women into the outdoors. Gemma shares her unique Coast to Coast journey, from tackling the Mountain Run on her honeymoon in 2017, to lining up for the Two Day Tandem in 2026 alongside Shaz Dagg.

Beyond racing, Gemma works closely with Kathmandu’s research and development team on their women’s range, and is involved in community-led events aimed at reducing barriers for women to get outdoors and adventuring. She talks openly about connecting like-minded women and helping them achieve things they didn't think were possible. 

We’re also joined by Conrad Goodhew, accredited Sports Dietitian based in Christchurch, who works with elite sporting organisations including the Crusaders, lectures in sports nutrition, presents to businesses, and supports athletes one-on-one through CGN. Conrad is all about cutting through the noise and making nutrition simple, personalised, and effective, whether you’re chasing peak performance or just trying to fuel better day to day.

In Episode 4, we dive into one of the most important conversations in endurance sport, how to stay safe and truly check in with yourself on race day, especially at an event as unique and demanding as the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

We’re joined by Shaz Dagg and Dr Annabel Merrett for a powerful and honest discussion around decision-making under fatigue, listening to your body, and racing with awareness.

Shaz Dagg is a NZ Elite Paratriathlete and the first female amputee to conquer the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. After an accident at the 2024 Coast to Coast, Shaz made a shift in direction, turning her focus to Ironman and going on to complete a full-distance Ironman in late 2024. 

Now, with fresh perspective and renewed motivation, Shaz has her sights set on Kathmandu Coast to Coast 2026, where she’ll compete in a tandem pairing with another Kiwi legend Gemma McCaw. We unpack her goal-setting process, her gorgeous and positive mindset, and how she navigates both physical and mental challenges.

Alongside Shaz, Dr Annabel Merrett shares expert insight into athlete safety, self-awareness, and why checking in with yourself can be the key to not just finishing, but finishing well.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone preparing for Coast to Coast, or any endurance event where resilience, mindset, and smart decision-making matter.

We’re back this Wednesday 12 November at 8pm with another jam-packed episode!

This week we’re joined by Motus Lead Physiotherapist Brett Warman and Race Director Glen Currie.

🏃‍♀️ Injury & Recovery – Brett shares expert advice on what to do if you get injured during training. From understanding your risk factors to knowing when to stop, get assessed, and how to adapt your training — it’s all about keeping you on track for the start line.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Chat with Richard & Angus – We dive into bunch riding, why learning the 5 S’s of Bunch Cycling is so valuable, and the importance of a good bike fit for comfort and performance.

🌄 Race Update with Glen Currie – Glen brings us the latest on the course, key training focuses, what to expect from the weather, and whether brother Braden Currie might make a return to the start line after stepping back from Ironman racing.

Get ready to learn, laugh, and get inspired — all part of your Coast to Coast journey!

This week we’re diving deep into two of the epic stages of Coast to Coast – the Kayak and Mountain Run.

🏞 On the river:
Race Director Glen Currie shares what to expect on race day and how to fine-tune your training for the kayak stage so you’re ready for whatever the Waimakariri throws at you.

⛰ On the mountain:
Mountain legend Ben Williams takes us on a deep dive into the infamous run. He’s traversed it more times than Richard Greer has eaten custard squares… and trust us, that’s saying something.

💡 Plus: Gus and Richard chat about TeamCPNZ Training Plan Plus – our Coast to Coast-specific coaching programme starting September 2 to get you fully race-ready.

🎧 Don’t miss this one – packed with insider tips and expert advice.

We talk to Richie Owen - the operations manager of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast about his roll and all of the fundraising that goes on as part of this awesome event for every coffee and bacon butty that you purchase over the weekend.

We will then bring Annabel morris into the show, a first timer that completed the event after arriving back in NZ after working overseas for the last couple of years.  What she learnt, how her build was and learning to share.

Wrapping up the show, Bob MacLachlan will talk paddling and how to learn and develop your kayaking.  Bob is a Kayak instructor based in Wanaka who has finished on the podium of the Longest day.  

As you make your final preparations for race day, pack the car and head to Greymouth for race registration check out our final instalment of the 2025 Kathmandu Coast to Coast Podcast.

Today we chat to Mental Skills Coach Warwick Wood who speaks about getting your mental prep sorted in the days leading up to race day so you can perform to your potential.

Toby Brooke who won the competition to be the paddler for Richard and Angus’s 3 person two-day team joins us to talk paddling.

We wrap up the podcast with elite competitor Deb Lynch who is keen to right the wrongs of the last couple of years and see how good she can go in her 3rd attempt in the Longest Day.

Bring it on!!

Race Director Glen Currie shares some important race day updates, his top picks and ones to watch.

We chat with Ben Phillips, who had the 3rd step on the podium in last year's Longest Day. We get an insight into what his final prep looks like as he approaches the big day on the 8th of Feb as he has his sights set on the first step of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast Podium for 2025.

Plus, Eddie Fardell shares his tips for your Support Crew to help with your race day prep.

Show hosts Richard and Angus also talk to the importance around Bunch Riding skills and preparation and how to put these into practice on race day.

There is also an exciting announcement for a competition KATHMANDU has lined up for this year's competitors... you'll want to be tuned in for this one.

In this episode we will be diving deep into the world of training and race nutrition, a crucial topic for anyone gearing up for the next edition of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. Joining us are Marewa and Tessa from Pure Sports Nutrition, who will share their insights on fueling your body for optimal performance. 

Plus, we have C2C Race Director Glen Currie joining us —who will bring us the latest updates and essential information. 

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable tips and motivation to help you reach your goals. 

So, grab your headphones and get ready to elevate your race prep with expert advice and exciting updates.