Elina overcomes rocky run to achieve milestone

Elina Ussher’s staggering 20th consecutive Coast to Coast proved one of the most challenging.

Rain had left the rocks slippery for the run through Goat Pass and Deception River.

“It was like running on ice. I had several nasty falls and suffered quite a few cuts,” says Elina, from her Cable Bay Adventure Park base.

But the 48-year-old is used to dealing with pain, having raced with what she calls a “munted” right shoulder for years.

Elina will need a joint replacement at some stage but has been able to adapt her techniques for the cycling and kayaking demands of the Longest Day event from Kumara to New Brighton.

After finishing fourth last year, the four-time winner was determined to return to the podium this year.

“The low river levels made for a hard paddle and the final bike ride was tough too,” declares Elina, who completed the course in 13 hours, 22 minutes and 28 seconds to be the third woman home.

The course involved 89.4 kilometres of running, 122kms kayaking and 220kms cycling.

“I enjoy all three disciplines,” she says.

Disappointed at having just missed out on qualifying for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the top cross-country skier turned her attention to adventure racing.

She moved to New Zealand with her partner Richard Ussher and was a “a bit upset” after finishing runner-up in her Coast to Coast debut in 2006. But she kept coming back and won the Longest Day for the first time in 2010.

While Elina knows the course so well, she reveals she can still get lost on the run.
“But I love what I do,” she enthuses.

Winning her second Coast to Coast in 2012 was special too, as her husband Richard won the men’s section.

“It was the first time a couple had won in the same year.” They have nine victories between them.

Elena still competes under the Finish flag, vowing she still loves representing her country of birth. Having notched up 20 starts in a row, she is not sure about returning next year.

“But I turn 50 then and I want to do something crazy to celebrate,” she enthuses.
In the meantime, trail running appeals after completing the 21 kilometre race at the Spectacle last December.

As for this year’s result, Elina was pleased to see youth coming through with 32-year-old Deborah Lynch winning.

“Hopefully Debby’s performance will encourage more younger people to take part,” she concludes.