Multisport: Judkins to feature in his own great race

Robin Judkins, Coast to Coast organiser. Photo / APN

The life of Robin Judkins would make a fine movie some day and this weekend would be a fitting final scene.

Not that at 61, the eccentric and larger than life race director of the legendary Speight's Coast to Coast is slowing down.

The man synonymous with the legendary adventure race since it began 29 years ago has sacrificed a lot for "his" race, including his marriage, but it has all been part of Judkins' story.

The 2011 race dubbed "The Year of the Veteran", has attracted 800 athletes from around the world.

It is unlike any Judkins has been involved in, as for the first time he will be a participant.

"I never set out for this to be a lifework but that is what it has become," said Judkins who will pair up with nine-time Coast to Coast champion Steve Gurney.

"I didn't think I'd ever compete in this race but my great support team makes it possible."

Motivated by health issues of the past few years (heart problems and a broken leg) Judkins wanted to do something for his own health and wellbeing.

"In recent years my health hasn't been great," said Judkins who has been in training for the past five months.

"So I just decided that I could do something for myself as well as showing people that the Speight's Coast to Coast is achievable by anyone if they want to do some training and give themselves that challenge."

Judkins is a character in every sense.

Last year he wrote a fantasy novel and he has published a second collection of poetry, but Judkins' artistic talents don't end there.

He is known for painting only in his underpants and, clutching a brush, spending up to a day and a half in front of his easel.

"I had an exhibition last year when I had 44 paintings," he said.

"I sold 32. I have completed another 42 since then. I tend to be a bit prolific."

But it is Judkins' fervour for the 243km cycle, mountain bike and kayak race across the South Island that is world famous and who better for him to team up with than Steve Gurney.

He described their relationship as like a marriage with "through sickness and health, good times and bad" and he was "bloody hard work at times."

"He is eccentric and mad and most people think he is a bit of a nutter and they are probably right," said Gurney, who added the idea of competing with Judkins began as a joke.

"But he is a smart businessman and he's been a bloody good team-mate.

"He is not as fit as I'd like him to be but I have been pretty impressed with how he has trained and I reckon he'll finish - near last but he'll get there."

"He is a bloody tough task master," added Judkins who has lost 7kg in his training for the event.

"Steve was so innovative and that is what made him such and impressive competitor and champion.

"He used to do my head in with the innovations he would make both before and during the race but it was because of his intelligence that he was so hard to beat."

The race has come a long way since Judkins and 11 mates set out on a first attempt in June, 1982 where it took him 22 hours to complete the trail.

No one has done more for the world's premier multisport race than Judkins and Gurney - the ideal candidates to lead "The Year of the Veteran" campaign.

The former alcoholic, who has not drunk since 1979, is proud of his legacy that has been made with passion and sacrifice.

"The Coast to Coast cost me my marriage ...

"That's my biggest regret."

"This event punches way above its weight," he continued.

"Everyday a stranger comes up to me on the street and thanks me for what the Coast to Coast has meant to them.

"It is unbelievable what this has done for the West Coast, Canterbury and New Zealand."

Gurney is synonymous with the Speight's Coast to Coast with his nine titles.

He participated an incredible 18 times between 1986 and 2004.

"I love this event and it has been such a massive part of my life," said Gurney.

Judkins completed the 32km mountain run over Goat Pass yesterday and the final 70km cycle to Sumner.

Gurney finished the opening 3km run and 58km cycle section yesterday and the 15km cycle and 67km kayak section today. In his typical competitive spirit he has the kayak leg record in his sights.

"I have been training really hard and if I am going to do something I do it properly."

But for Judkins just getting to the end will be reward enough.

"I really am hoping to complete the event and I', pretty confident I'll make it home."

Judkins crossing the finish line this afternoon would make an appropriate finale to his zany life story should it ever be made into a movie.