Midway lifeguards to tackle Mount Monster

The Mount Monster includes a jump from the “blow hole” at Mt Maunganui. Picture by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services

Gisborne will be represented this weekend in the gruelling Mount Monster long-distance “iron” surf lifesaving event at Mt Maunganui.

Run by the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, it entails a 12-kilometre ski leg,

5km run, 1.5km ocean swim and 6km board paddle.

Dawson Building Midway will have athletes competing in teams and as individuals.

After their performance in the Whangamatā Classic last weekend, they would be rated with strong chances in the age-group events.

Midway head coach Jack Gavin said the forecast was for light winds, small surf and high temperatures.

“That will create some interesting and mentally challenging conditions, especially in the back half of the race.

“So race nutrition and hydration will be key,” he said.

The Midway athletes competing include Tyron Evans as an individual.

“After a good weekend at Whangamatā, he should be in the hunt in the under-19 age group,” Gavin said.

“Sophie Petro as an individual is determined to do well, likewise Yahni Brown, who will be racing older guys but should also go close in the u19 age group.”

Fin Cameron and Jaqs Kennedy will also race as individuals.

Ella Sutton and Emily Petro, Hannah Webb and Alice Sparks, Maxwell Kennedy and James Hamlyn, and Max Gaddum and Riley Knight will race as u19 teams.