Time to beat mountain

For almost 60 years, men, women and children have come to Kawerau to be crowned king or queen of the mountain.

This morning up to 160 athletes from around New Zealand and the world will take on the gruelling 8km race to the summit of Mt Putauaki and back.

The winner is granted the title of king of the mountain and the first female, queen. This year will see the return of Kawerau local and 10-time winner Megan Edhouse.

It is the first time in several years Edhouse has returned to take on the mountain, which stands 852m above sea level.

Kawerau District Council event co-ordinator Lee Barton said last year's king of the mountain, Shay Williamson, will return to defend his title. However, the champion has been struggling with an injury, opening the way for a new king.

The event held at Firmin Field began today at 9.30am with the King of the Mountain School Relays, followed at 11am with the Prince and Princess of the Mountain. The main event gets under way at 12pm, with runners of all levels hoping to either take the title or make their way into the Sub 60 Club. These are the runners who can complete the race in under an hour.

Organised by the Kawerau Harriers Club, the event is in its 57th year. It is understood its origins came about in 1954, when the township was being established. One evening a Kiwi and an Australian were having a few beers at a local pub. They placed a £10 bet as to who would get to the top and back. This appears to have accidentally started the annual event.

Conditions for the event are expected to be ideal, with MetService predicting fine weather, a possible northerly and a high of 21C.