He may not have felt in "record-breaking form", but Wanganui's Neil Mayo was still the king of the hill at the Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games' infamous Stair Race up to the Durie Hill lookout yesterday.
The 355-step race, on a 100m vertical walkway, is considered one of themost barmy events on the games schedule, with about 30 taking part this year, slightly down on the 32 of 2013.
Feilding's Shaz Dagg was first one out the chute, feeling a bit of peer pressure as she only decided late in the afternoon to reaffirm her decision to take part considering she is participating in most of the multisport events.
Staggering back down the steps holding the back of her leg, the winner of Saturday's women's duathlon, 10km runner and upcoming 5km and triathlon competitor, may have finally met her match.
"I think it's just a little bit too much for the old bones," Dagg said, stretching the glutes out at the finish.
"The worst part's having to get in the car and drive home again," she said. "I can see why it's a challenge for everybody."
In slippery conditions, Mayo's record of 5m 42s remained standing, but as the 2013 winner Kerry Bennett was not taking part, Mayo was still the quickest on the day with a 6m 23s effort.
But competitors like Damien Wood weren't beaten for lack of trying. Spectators watched heart-in-mouth as he flew back down the narrow staircase, slipping near the finish but regaining his footing, in a 8m 43s run.
