12/10/2026
Hillary Challenge 2026 done and dusted!
Lilja Campbell, Petra Cederman, Maddie Easton, Malia Roberts, Matai Arnott, Jude Sutherland, Orion Griffith, and Chico Burger put their fitness, outdoor skills, determination, resilience, and teamwork to the test and after five days of intense activity and racing they came home with the 3rd highest score in this super demanding event.
Three of our girls (Maddie, Petra, and Malia) only joined the AR crew at the start of this year, and their growth and commitment to this crazy sport as well as this awesome team has been phenomenal to watch! Maddie showed her leadership skills and quick mind as co-captain, Petra applied her all-round athleticism to a completely new set of skills, and Malia's positivity, warmth, and insightfulness are well beyond her years.
Year 11 Lilja has been part of the junior crew and she is nothing short of a natural talent in all areas of AR - watch this space is all we can say!
And so much credit to our boys - of course they are fit, strong, and capable but the way they care for every member of this team, is what really sets them apart. Jude who speaks truth from the heart, and is the master encourager as he pulls everyone along into his orbit, Matai, a deep thinker and our moral compass keeping us honest and on task - and man he can run, Orion shining most when he can put his awesome skills and strength to good use to help whoever needs it.
And last but not least our team captain Chico; receiving the Manaakitanga Leadership award, acknowledging not only his skills and experience but also the warm, kind and empathetic style that seems to come so natural to him.
We could not be more proud of this entire crew.
A massive thanks to all our sponsors and supporters:
, Builders (and sons) Ltd, Waka Abel Tasman, Real Key Accounting Solutions Limited, Wicked Rogaines, Holdings, Horticultural Imports NZ Ltd, Real Meals, My Ride Motueka, , Whenua Iti Outdoors, Kahu Kayaks, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve, Kai KeiAkuRinga, Kahurangi Media (Louie Burger)
A final massive shout out to the Gearshop Tasman Adventure Race which supports our entire MHS AR Squad - if you want to take part on the 14th of November, go to https://tasmanadventurerace.nz/ Early entries close on Sunday the 18th of October.
A photo dump will come shortly
