Chris Morrissey has racked up his eighth win in the Kawerau King of the Mountain.
The 36-year-old builder overcame strong challenges from another stalwart of the iconic race, Sjors Corporaal, last year's winner Shay Williamson, and Whakatane adventure racer Sam Clark, to claim the title in Kawerau at the weekend.
Competing in sweltering heat, the high-calibre field scorched up Mt Putauaki, which stands 853m above sea level.
Corporaal made the first break, determined to shake off any rivals before the serious climb, with Morrissey close on his heels and last year's champ Williamson tucked nicely in third.
However, Morrissey put on the after-burners and was the first to make the summit.