Multisport novice has her eyes set on winning Coast to Coast event

Lizzy Bunc-kenburg is already making a big impression in multisport.

Lizzy Bunckenburg loves nothing more than heading out for her favourite run, the Northern Walk, with her sister Kathryn, on a stunning Wellington day.

The 21-year-old has been competing in surf lifesaving for the past 10 years, running for the past six years and in 2014 has decided to give multisport a go.

Bunckenburg is only two races into her multisport career but is already making a big impression. Since her switch in January, she has enjoyed some immediate success. She finished second in the Queen Charlotte Classic Multisport race (first novice) and followed it up with a runner-up finish to Elina Ussher in the Crazyman.

The Wellington athlete, who is looking to build a solid base over winter to compete in the NZ Duathlon Championship and a multisport event at the end of the year, loves being outside in the different environments.

"Juggling five disciplines, swimming, cycling, mountain-biking, running and kayaking means that training is always varied and exciting," she said.

"I love to get out with different people, learn new skills and push myself. I also enjoy going to the different events meeting people and learning as I go along."

Bunckenburg, who is the Under-20 record holder for the Wellington Half marathon, and now has a personal best of 1hr 27min 47sec, is looking forward to competing in her home town event once more on June 22.

She completes 5-11 training sessions a week. Bunckenburg said that her running and swimming are her strengths and she knows she needs to work on her cycling and mountain biking if she wants to compete at a higher level.

Bunckenburg had the chance to learn from the best recently at The Hutt City Crazyman when she rubbed shoulders with local multisport legend Elina Ussher. It was an experience that she learned a lot from.

"It takes perseverance and commitment to compete at a top level," she said of Ussher.

"She is an amazing athlete and to be able to race against her was a wicked experience, Elina has achieved so much at a high level and it has taken her all over the world. She is certainly inspirational."

There is no doubt where Bunckenburg sees her long-term future. She wants to win the Coast to Coast.

Taking part in New Zealand's premier multisport event has always been a dream for Bunckenburg.

She wanted to compete with her sister in a team last year but broke her foot in the buildup and was unable to take part.

"Being a student the cost is currently a barrier but definitely keen to give it a go in the future. I have a lot to learn in multisport but would like to see how far I can go with it."

Her coach Michael Jacques believes that she has the ability to contend in the Coast to Coast but right now she is still making her mind up on whether she'll pursue triathlon or multisport.

"No one is pushing her to make a decision either. She's young and just getting started; as she builds base fitness and experience she'll work out what she's best at and hopefully what she's best at will also be the thing that motivates her most. Then you've got the perfect package."

Bunckenburg herself speaks with wisdom beyond her years. She offered some good advice for other youngsters looking to get into elite level adventure sport in NZ.

"Keep your options open when you are young, give everything a go and make the most of every opportunity that you have.

"Dream big. Enjoy the experiences that are available and make sure you have always have fun."