A pair of endurance surf lifesaving streaks have continued, with the defending champions holding off the best in the world to win the annual Mount Monster.

With blistering hot conditions and an overseas invasion thanks to the International Surf Rescue Challenge (ISRC) being held at Mount Maunganui over the weekend, the sold out $15,000 event had its strongest ever field, event organisers said.

But despite the extra challenges and new title threats, experience in the local conditions proved vital, with Mount Maunganui’s Jayden Murphy powering to victory for a remarkable 5th straight year in the men’s competition.

In the women’s field, it was another Mount Monster mainstay who delivered again - Lyall Bay’s Kate McHardy claimed her third consecutive crown.

A total of 360 competitors took part solo or in a team, with 110 individuals (including 17 international competitors) involved in a Le Mans style mass start.

The size of the surf confronting the field made for a tricky start to the opening 10k ski paddle, as they raced through the famed Mount shore dump ahead the 5k soft sand run.

Before they could begin their 1.5k swim, Mount Monster athletes had to launch themselves off Moturiki Island at the iconic blowhole - testing their courage while pushing their fitness to the limit.

Just to top it off, they had to endure a 5k board paddle before a sprint to the finish line.

The Mount Monster took place over the weekend. Photo / Katie Cox

Combined with sapping heat, there were a number of DNFs (did not finish) and dehydration assistance required, keeping the 60+ volunteers and lifeguards on their toes.

Once again, 21-year-old Murphy led from the front. He finished the opening ski leg with a slender lead before pushing clear of the field in the run.

An exhausted but ecstatic Murphy remarked, “The Monster is definitely one of my favourite on the calendar, it’s the only opportunity we get in a long endurance race for the year plus it’s put together and backed by so many awesome local people. It’s one of a kind.

“This year was a bit different for me, racing with the NZ pathways team the last couple of days [in the ISRC] and then jumping straight into this. The nerves were definitely high with the influx of international competitors but I stuck to my race plan and I am stoked to get the win today.”

While McHardy made it to the initial ski paddle marker first to win the $500 EVES Real Estate dash for cash, Mount local Katrina Madill was first off the ski. But McHardy broke clear during the beach run to cement her title hat-trick at just 19 years old.

Action from the Mount Monster in the weekend. Photo / Katie Cox

Organiser Sam Shergold stated, “This year’s Dexion Mount Monster has been the biggest yet. The weather really turned it on for us, and the look of exhaustion and satisfaction on the faces on all our competitors when they crossed the finish line was a joy to see.

“Thanks to all our wonderful sponsors and to our awesome team of volunteers - we couldn’t have done it without you.”

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