Father and son teams take on famous race

Wanganui's father and son competitors who competed in the Speight's Coast to Coast race at the weekend loved every second of it.

Brett Watson and Athol Steward formed a two-day team for the 243km run, bike and kayak from the West Coast to Christchurch, while their sons Lloyd Steward (two-day) and Angus Watson (one-day) took part as individual racers.

The fathers came second in the Classic Men's team class, while 21-year-old Angus Watson finished in the top 20 of the World Championship race.

"We got through it fairly well," said Brett Watson.

Good weather conditions helped the first-timers who were pleased not to suffer any gear breaks or "swims" during the kayak.

Angus Watson had a couple of hiccups on his run and will want to "iron things out" to have another go, although he was competing against a very strong field, his father said.

Watson senior said he and Athol Steward will have to "ponder" if they'll commit to another go next year.

"It was great to be part of it I can see why people get drawn back in."

The 31st 'Longest Day' race on Saturday was won by Wanaka's Braden Currie in 11 hours, 6.51 minutes, beating out multiple time former champion Richard Ussher of Nelson.