From Coast to Coast: Campbell Gray’s Next Challenge on the Ultimate Adventure Race

Update from Campbell - three weeks out

With just 3 weeks to go until the gruelling Coast to Coast race, Campbell Gray is at a pivotal point in his training. 

“It’s all about the rhythm – it’s high volume to begin with, then I get a bit more race-specific, before tapering off close to race day to rest my body so it’s fresh and ready to go.” 

Campbell is competing in the premiere category known as The Longest Day, where he and other top competitors’ bike, run, and kayak the full 243km course in just one day – starting on the West Coast and finishing at Brighton Beach in Christchurch. 

Thanks to Interislander’s sponsorship, the Waikato student was able to spend almost a month in the South Island practising on the actual course, which he says was really valuable. 

“I practiced the run course mainly, as that’s my weakness, so I tried to improve. Then I paddled down the river a couple of times to familiarise myself with the landmarks.” 

He couldn’t get onto the course every day due to the unusually cold summer in Canterbury – but made the best of it. “Christchurch is awesome, if you can’t get up the mountains, you can train on the Port Hills, so that’s great.” 

He’s back home in Hamilton now, where the hot days mean he has to train in the morning or late afternoon to dodge the heat. 

And his ideal weather for the race itself? “A nice fine not too hot day would be ideal. Lower river conditions would suit me, and I love the headwind on the final ride – some people don’t like it, you’re pretty knackered at the end of the day, and riding into that strong sea breeze as you head into Christchurch is tough but plays to my strengths.” 

For now, he’s busy trying to improve his run times, before tapering off so his body’s at its peak for the race on February 7th. “It’s a fine line, no one can get it perfect, but I try my best to get close.” 

More about Campbell's Coast to Coast Journey

Known as one of New Zealand's most gruelling adventure races, The Longest Day takes competitors across 243 km of rugged terrain from the West Coast to Brighton Beach in Christchurch—all in one day.

This isn’t Campbell’s first taste of the Coast to Coast. Last February, he took 3rd place in his category of the two-day event. However, 2025 will be a whole new challenge as he takes on the single-day, non-stop endurance race, which includes biking, running, and kayaking through stunning, yet punishing landscapes.

Throughout the race, competitors like Campbell push their bodies to the limit. Running with wet shoes from stream crossings and keeping up energy levels without stopping to eat are all part of the experience. Elite racers rely on gels and electrolyte drinks on the go; every second counts when aiming for the podium.

When he's not training, Campbell is busy studying Industrial Design and Human Performance Sciences at Waikato University. Whether he's hitting the books or the trails, he dedicates time to long runs, cycling, and kayaking sessions on the Waikato River or Lake Karapiro.

“Changing from the 2-day race to the one day is a big step up. I’ll be footing it with the big competitors,” Campbell says. 

“But there’s nothing like the feeling of crossing that finish line. It’s a bloody good feeling, a relief. You’re not enjoying the race while you’re in it, it’s just pain, but you feel so good afterwards.” 

Keep an eye on Campbell as he embarks on this journey to conquer The Longest Day in 2025. With his determination and Interislander’s support, he’s set to push the limits and inspire others to take on their own adventures.