The cry of “Go Hannah” has been common in recent years.

Bay of Plenty multisport legend Hannah Berry will be back on the start line of the Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half this Saturday to defend the title on her home course.

Hannah Berry is seeking her fourth title in the iconic event after wins in 2019, 2020 and 2024.

She heads into this Saturday’s elite women’s race after a stellar year in 2024, which included fourth overall placing for the Ironman Pro Series, first in the Ironman Asia-Pacific Champs in Cairns, and 10 at Ironman World Champs in Nice.

“Racing in my home town is the best way to start the year,” Berry said.

“While I have been in my off-season after a big 2024, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to race the Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half. ”

Berry looks forward to sharing the course and weekend with her friends and celebrating her sport and community.

The Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half is iconic for the triathlon and Bay of Plenty community, with crowds lining the café filled streets of Mt Maunganui to cheer on the athletes.

While Berry starts as the favourite to claim a fourth title in Mount Maunganui, she faces strong competition from UK triathlete Fenella Langridge and NZ triathletes - Samantha Kingsford, Fiona Gallagher and Hannah Knighton.

Kingsford and Gallagher have been the top five finishers in the event in recent years, while Knighton has made a strong transition to the mid-distance after a top career in short-course triathlons.

British triathlete Fenella Langridge has built a storied career in long-distance triathlon since starting in the sport in 2018.

She was a latecomer to triathlon, only starting in the sport in her final year of university, having previously competed in biathlon and cross-country.

Despite not owning a bike until her father bought her one at 18, Langridge has made up for lost time.

Fenella Langridge has built a fine collection of long-distance triathlon medals in her six years in the sport.

In her debut at the World Ironman Champs in Kona, she led the bike leg at one stage before finishing in an impressive sixth placing.

In December 2023, she won her first full-distance event at Ironman Western Australia, setting a new course record.

“I am so grateful to be starting my 2025 season in New Zealand,” Langridge said.

“Tauranga & Mount Maunganui is a triathlete’s playground, and I can’t wait to have fun, race hard, and show all the folks back home how cool it is here, too.”

Festival Director Julia Tilley said they are “stoked to have to have Bay of Plenty multisport legend Hannah Berry for this year’s Loan Market Oceanside Tauranga Half.

“We look forward to the crowds coming back out to support the athletes,” Tilley said.