You could be forgiven for feeling a hint of extra anxiety if you’re carrying a bigger than usual target on your back. While conditions so often dictate overall race times, Hamish Elliott’s 10.48.53 scorcher in his maiden Longest Day victory last year is right up there with the very best.

Throw in a sub eleven hour performance from runner-up Tasmanian Alex Hunt along with a strong third place finish from Ironman Ben Phillips, the 2024 mens’ race was one for the ages.

Elliott’s impressive victory has spotlighted that target on his back, but with another solid year of training and racing combined with a chilled mental outlook, he heads into the 2025 race with a healthy outlook.

“My approach and mentality stays the same. Just putting my best performance forward is all I’m worried about and I guess that’s a very positive way of approaching it rather than trying to beat splits or anything. That sort of relays into all of my training”.

The Wanaka flier has been the most light of foot over the mountain run in recent years, but the looming shadow brought by the return of four times champion Sam Clark means he may not get it all his own way over Goat Pass this time around.

Of the leading contenders, the pair have historically shown that they’re capable of breaking the three hour barrier, potentially giving them a jump on the field at Klondyke Corner. 

“Yeah I’ve been thinking a bit on how I can beat Sam and where I’ll get time on him. I’ll aim to push the run pretty hard, but I have tripped up in the past trying to drop other athletes and not focusing on myself. I’m happy with my kayak and my cycling has improved, but the run is where the first move will be made !”

Elliott’s improved effort in the boat last year kept the chasers at bay and he believes he can still go better on the water.

“I paddled well but there were still holes in it. I had issues with my drink system and I had to stop and fix that. I also made a little mistake right at the start, but at the moment, I’m feeling like my paddling is about where it was this time last year so hopefully I can still build on that.”

The good news for the defending champion, is that he is injury free, healthy and his body is absorbing the training load. Perhaps his biggest asset, is his mental approach.

“The target and the expectation excites me. It used to sort of fold me and hinder my performance but now I’ve been able to flip that mentally. Now I just thrive on that expectation and pressure.”

Elliot admits to having nothing but respect for the other guys around him, and says the key will be in consistently nailing all the small details throughout the day.

“To turn up and be capable of winning it, it’s going to take a pretty good day with no mistakes and an honest performance.”

Those words pretty much describe Hamish Elliott’s 2024 win. He’ll be hoping it’s a case of rinse and repeat in 2025.