Campbell Gray’s Kathmandu Coast to Coast comeback
Interislander-sponsored athlete Campbell Gray third crack at New Zealand’s most iconic multisport challenge saw him taking first place in the men’s 18-39 age group.
A strong result powered by determination and support
After an unforgettable 2026 Kathmandu Coast to Coast, Campbell Gray is home again feeling grateful, proud and full of fresh motivation.
With Interislander supporting him across the journey, Campbell pushed through one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s toughest multi-sport races and crossed the finish line in a result he describes as “very satisfying.”
A year of growth
The 2026 race followed a tough 2025, but the lessons from that year shaped everything.
As Campbell puts it, “The experience I gained from the 2025 race made me less nervous in the lead‑up as I knew what I was in for.”
His goals were simple.
• Break into the top ten
• Improve his overall time
Smart pacing
He also shared his gratitude for everyone backing him along the way. “I want to start by thanking you for your support for this year’s Coast to Coast. Interislander’s support has been immense and went a long way in improving my result.”
Campbell built his race plan around his strength in the paddle. That meant running smart over Goat Pass to protect his energy for later.
“I was aware that to reach the river in good shape I needed to run across Goat Pass conservatively,” he says. Hitting the run course in 3:30:00 and “feeling like I had plenty of gas left in the tank” set him up well.
The Waimakariri River brought both help and challenge. Rainfall lifted the river level and helped push the pace, but the easterly winds grew stronger as he neared the east coast. “A headwind made it a push to reach the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge,” he says.
Holding nothing back
Campbell used everything he had during the paddle. So by the time he reached the final 70km ride to Brighton Beach, he knew he’d be digging deep.
“It’s fair to say I played my cards in the paddle so when I reached the final ride there wasn’t much left in the tank,” he says. But with a top‑ten spot within reach, he wasn’t letting go. “I wasn’t willing to relinquish a top ten finish,” he adds.
Crossing the finish line felt especially special. He wrapped up the race “chuffed to right the wrongs of last year,” breaking 12 hours and taking first place in the men’s 18-39 age group.
Strength from the land
Campbell credits life on the farm for some of that endurance. “I believe the long days at work on the farm certainly helped my endurance throughout the day,” he says.
He had thought about taking a break from Coast to Coast next year, but this performance changed that. “This result has certainly fuelled my ambition to return and race amongst the elite field and continue to improve.”
Looking ahead
We’re proud to support Campbell on this journey. His determination, humility and connection to the land reflect the spirit of Coast to Coast, and the spirit of journeys across Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa with Interislander.