Inside Triathlon’s Parting Shot: Staying On Track

New Zealand’s Candice Hammond crests a hill several miles into the marathon of the iron-distance Challenge Wanaka. About three-quarters of the course is run on trails along picturesque Lake Wanaka and through the surrounding Southern Alps. Hammond was on the hunt for second place (Kiwi Gina Crawford blew away the field en route to her fifth Wanaka title). After spending most of the run in third place, Hammond caught veteran pro Joanna Lawn in the final miles and crossed the line in 9:44:22, just eight seconds ahead of Lawn. “It was a brutal way to end nearly 10 hours of racing,” Hammond says. “However, I do love the fact that my body always recovers faster after this race—the softer surface [of the trail] doesn’t beat my legs up the same as running a marathon on the road.”

Photograph by Phil Walter/Getty Images.

This article was originally published in the March/April 2013 issue of Inside Triathlon magazine. Look for the “Parting Shot” at the end of every issue of Inside Triathlon.

PHOTOS: 2013 Challenge Wanaka Triathlon

“Like” us on Facebook to get the first look at our photo shoots, take part in lively debates and connect with your fellow triathletes.