Back to Waihi for unfinished business

A year ago Louise Mark was stretchered out of the back-blocks of Waihi in agony, her ankle flopping like a dying snapper.
On Saturday the Auckland multisport star returned in triumph, capturing the rebranded Nugget race women's title and finishing an impressive fourth overall.
The 33-year-old finished the 77km event in 4hr 23min 21sec, which included one of the fastest runs of the day on the stunning 10km coastal track from Waihi Beach.
It was the same run which forced a stint on the sidelines last year.
"I slipped down some stairs at the start of the run and broke my ankle - I kept on running on it but by the time I got to the end of the run, I was in pain," Mark said.
"They took that part of the course out, thank goodness - but it's really nice to return and finish the event like this.
"It's such an awesome course and I'm so glad I did it - all the walkways and trails have just had so much time and work put into them. I loved it."
Whakatane's Sam Clark used the experience he gained from last year's third placing, improving to finish on top of the podium after dominating all four stages.
Formerly the Anaconda race, the changes saw the event start and finish outside the Waihi Pumphouse, with athletes cycling 29km to Waihi Beach, completing a 10km ocean paddle, heading north on the 10km trail run and then hooking into a 26km mountain bike ride through mostly private land.
They finished the distance with a 2.5km run around the rim on the Martha Mine, leaving Clark jubilant.
"The course is so unique - you get to access parts of the area that you can't at any other time and that run is just stunning," he said.
Clark's 3hr 42min 15sec time included a 48min 58sec effort for the trail run, heading home Jason Derecourt by more than 20min, with Craig Jones third another 10min back.
Mark beat Emma McCosh by nearly 11min, with Anna Ross third.
The festival also included an off-road duathlon and 5km, 10km and 21km run and walk events, attracting nearly 400 athletes.
National boardsailing champion J.P. Tobin, who entered in a team last year, proved his versatility by winning the Half Nugget off-road duathlon.
The event was organised in conjunction with Vision Waihi Trust and chief executive Eddie Morrow was delighted with the day. "Waihi turned on another great day and it was fantastic to see the number of locals out there taking part," he said.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year."
Results:
Male: 1 Sam Clark (3:42:15), 2 Jason Derecourt (4:03:55), 3 Craig Jones (4:13:01).
Female: 1 Louise Mark (4:23:21), 2 Emma McCosh (4:34:38), 3 Anna Ross (4:58:34).