Wānaka biathlete Campbell Wright won this year’s 42km Merino Muster in just under two hours (1:59:25) at the Snow Farm on Saturday (September 3).

Ross Hamiton of Australia was second (2:19:21) and Ian Hardenbergh third (2:24:05).

The weather was a mixed bag, with periods of light snow and bright sunshine, but it was a lively atmosphere among the 93 competitors and the crowd of supporters.

Campbell set a blistering pace on his home track and scorched ahead of competitors from Australia, Canada and the USA.

Wānaka’s Nicole David was the first female home in the 42km race, at 2:41:11, followed by the Snow Farm’s Alanna Butler (2:45:14) then Sonja Mueller (2:49:12).

The eldest competitor in the 42km race was 82-year-old German Worldloppet master Hr. Hans Dieter Rebstock. Seventeen of the competitors were Worldloppet Masters who have skied all 16 Worldloppet races - of which the Merino Muster is one.

The youngest competitor was Wānaka’s Nova Gillam (16) who was testing her long distance capability.

The Merino Muster combines five races: The prestigious 42km Merino Muster, 21km Snow Rake, 14km Double Fleece (new this season), the 7km Straggle Muster, and the 1km Mini Muster for the under 10s.

A kiwi competitor gained a lot of support

Find the full results here.