February 2026 will mark a major milestone: ten years of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, a collaboration that has helped transform the event.

Both born in Christchurch in the 80s, Kathmandu and Coast to Coast have helped shape how Kiwis experience the outdoors for almost 40 years.

“Enabled by our partnership with Kathmandu, we helped shift the perception of Australasia’s most iconic multisport event from a gritty, elite-only challenge to an adventure that welcomes first-timers, students, families, and seasoned athletes alike,” says Race Director Glen Currie.

“Together, we’re enabling adventure, making it more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring.”

Kathmandu has now re-signed its partnership for another three years, extending through to 2028.

In this next chapter, the spotlight will widen beyond competitors to include the often-unsung heroes of the event: supporters, whānau, and fans, says Kathmandu’s Chief Executive, Megan Welch.

“While there are 1,500 athletes competing, there are more than 5,000 people involved in the event and without them, it wouldn’t happen.

“We want to deepen our connection with this broader community through new initiatives like supporter-focused gear, on-the-ground experiences, and storytelling that celebrates the people who make the journey possible.

“It’s a commitment to not just the race, but the entire ecosystem of adventure that surrounds it,” Welch says.

The Coast to Coast event gained popularity in the late 80s with its rugged “Southern hard man” image, targeting seasoned outdoor professional and extreme endurance athletes.

But in 2016, a new partnership with Kathmandu brought a culture shift.

The event became a platform for all kinds of athletes, those chasing podiums, those chasing personal goals and those simply chasing more time outdoors.

Someone who’s witnessed that transformation firsthand is 49-year-old Elina Ussher.

After 20 years of back-to-back Coast to Coast races, she’s preparing for her 21st in February.

“When I first started, it felt like the race was built for the toughest of the tough – seasoned athletes,” says Ussher, a four-time Longest Day winner.

“Now, I look around and see young people, more women, and first-timers lining up with just as much determination.

It’s amazing to see how far the event has come, and I’m proud to have been part of that journey.”

Kathmandu has highlighted everyday adventurers who never saw themselves as athletes but found they were up for the challenge.

One of those adventurers is Ian Martella from Marlborough.

After retiring from rugby, the now 52-year-old was searching for a new challenge.

Watching others cross the Coast to Coast finish line sparked a thought: “If they can do it, why can’t I?”

Inspired by his father’s love of kayaking, Martella borrowed a boat and signed up for the two- day event with a mate.

That first race lit a fire, and what started as a one-off challenge quickly became a way of life.

He’s now completed 13 Coast to Coast events, including several Longest Days.

“I never saw myself as an athlete. A regional rugby player in the forward pack, yes, but I’m not the small guy you’d picture running up mountains."

“Doing the Kathmandu Coast to Coast changed that. There are elite athletes, then there’s your everyday people training hard to achieve something great for themselves."

Kathmandu’s support has extended beyond branding. Its gear and operational initiatives have elevated the event’s professionalism and amplified visibility, especially internationally.

“The Kathmandu Coast to Coast isn’t just about race day, it’s the final chapter in a year of adventure. Coast to Coast gives people the platform to chase something big, and Kathmandu helps make that journey possible every step of the way,” says Currie.

As the partnership enters its second decade, Kathmandu is proud to continue backing the event for another three years, Welch says.

“This event reflects everything we stand for: community, challenge, and connection to the outdoors. It’s not just about elite performance; it’s about giving every Kiwi the chance to be part of something bigger.”