Galatea School pupil Kaya's long road to glory

Four attempts and dedicated training finally lead to Mountain Race crown

Galatea School pupil Kaya Henderson-Corporaal has waited four long years to be crowned winner of the Kawerau Prince and Princess of the Mountain Race.

The annual race is run with the Kawerau King of the Mountain Race, held recently, which involves athletes racing to the top of Mt Putauaki and back.

Kaya, 12, a pupil at Galatea School, has entered the competition since 2009, picking up two seconds and a fifth during that time.

His training for 2012 included running on the actual 4.2km course once a week and on the foothills on Fridays.

This year's racing conditions were especially tough, with hot weather on the day, but Kaya's training paid off as he picked up first place.

The event is open to those aged between 9 and 13 years of age.

Kaya's father Sjors Corporaal capped off a successful run for the family by coming second in the main race - the Kawerau King of the Mountain Race.