A new trail running and mountain-biking traverse was held for the first time today, across New Zealand's oldest and youngest landforms.
The opportunity to get acquainted with Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands for the inaugural event was a sell-out within hours.
And it caused quite a traffic jam as 650 mountain bikers set off on the 52 kilometre course.
"You're not actually allowed to bring a bike to Rangitoto or Motutapu," explains event organiser Aaron Carter. "So to be able to do that in a controlled event environment has got them quite excited."
Runners had to watch every step as they crossed farmland, forestry and volcanic rock.
The steadiness of the country's best yachtsmen and boardsailors prevailed, with former world boardsailing number one JP Tobin winning the mountain bike by five minutes, ahead of Team New Zealand's Dave Slyfield.
Organisers plan to extend next year's event over two days, and include a fun-run for those who just want to enjoy the scenery.
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