All competitors arrived to heroes welcomes at Shoal Bay Wharf."We will be back again next year," many racers vowed immediately.
Island legend Barry Mouat had bequeathed the community with a landmark event. 101 competitors set off from Port Fitzroy by bike and on foot early Saturday 10 October, with race organisers evoking the name of the late cyclist and outdoors lover during the dawn briefing. Winding through hilly country and off-road rugged terrain, the first half inside the DoC reserve was wet and tough, followed by narrow island roads and more hills before descending into Tryphena and rounding the entire bay.
Muddy tracks and blustery showers did not stop sunshine and participants from persevering. A St John's ambulance that was attending was only needed to treat minor wounds. Volunteer DoC staff successfully prevented Kauri die-back disease from being dispersed by the throng of racers.
The victory ceremony celebrated participants and their individual achievements."So we'll name next year's race the country's toughest cross-country marathon," race organisers promised.
A representative of a local roading machinery operator who co-sponsered the event, that evening announced that the island woud be stretched to accommodate a full cross-country marathon track. "We will find the missing 2 kilometers."
Nikki Kaye blogged later that "The race was the toughest run I think that I have ever done."

Many stories were taken home by locals and visitors from as far afield as Wellington. These photos may illustrate some of them.