Wellington’s David Haunschmidt made light work of Goat Pass in the mountain run race at Kathmandu Coast to Coast 2025.

This morning brought near-perfect weather for more than 50 trail-runners, despite lower-than-normal river levels.

The first to reach Clondyke Corner, Haunschmidt finished the run in 03:27:02. He was followed across the finish line by Sam King, the leader of the two-day individual competition.

Haunschmidt picked up multisport when he moved to New Zealand from Scotland in 2016 and “never looked back”.

The 36-year-old is happy with his efforts despite some minor falls.

But those falls and a few pre-race nerves did not faze the 36-year-old. Haunschmidt was the first mountain runner home by a substantial margin, with former Highlanders’ rugby player Alex Ainley (03:52:36) finishing second.

And, even more impressive, this was Haunschmidt’s first attempt at Goat Pass.

“I was a bit nervous because everyone tells me, ‘You need to know the routes and the lines’ – so I made a few mistakes crossing the river, but I made it so that’s what it’s all about,” he says.

“You’re just rock hopping, looking ahead trying to navigate which side is best – so I love that kind of stuff, it just really challenges you.”

And his success today already has him mulling his next moves.

“Maybe, in the future, we’ll do the full Coast to Coast – I need to learn how to kayak,” he jokes.

“Next week, I’ve got Shotover Moonlights Marathon in Queenstown, so I’ve got a bit of a rest.”

In the women’s mountain run, junior Sarah Reeve impressed – taking the top spot with 04:39:53. Coming in second was Alannah McLean with 05:10:55.



Emma Bone rounded out the top three women, finishing just short of half an hour behind McLean.