One of the country's most iconic multi-sport events returns today. 

The first day of the South Islands' Coast to Coast kicks off from Kumara Beach, with athletes biking, kayaking, and running to Christchurch's New Brighton Beach. 

Around 1,700 participants are competing in the 43rd edition of the event. 

Race director Glen Currie told Andrew Dickens Klondyke Corner will be an unusually busy spot, full of spectators and competitors. 

He says the odd tramper is normally the only one at the Arthurs Pass National Park campsite, but there will be seven thousand people there tonight. 

Records could also be broken this year. 

Currie says that Simone Maier is going for a sixth win in tomorrow’s Longest Day event, which would give her the most wins for any female ever. 

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