Methven's Regan Turner and Mike Buschl came out on top after a tough 12 hours of adventure racing in sometimes hostile conditions in the Braemar Gut Buster.
Organised by the South Canterbury Adventure Racing Club, 13 teams competed on an ever changing course.
A shotgun start at 7.15am saw competitors head off into blizzard conditions to navigate their way over a set course by kayak, mountain bike and on foot. High winds saw the kayak section on Lake Pukaki cancelled and at midday conditions worsened and organisers decided to close off the mountain section.
Two teams, Cotters Angels and Jump on the Pain Train, managed to get through before the weather turned.
The mountainbike section also proved arduous, with competitors cycling into the blizzard for most of time. All but two teams reached transition, where they were able to refuel and get cover from the wind before heading back out.
In the end Turner and Buschl triumphed over University of Otago's Jim Cotter and Matty Graham with Stu Patterson, Glen Chittock, Shane Ashley and Gary Lister third.
Organiser Sharon Morrison said overall, competitors and invaluable support crew had a great time. "I would like to thank Hamish and Julia Mackenzie for allowing us access to Braemar Station as the great accommodation and breathtaking scenery made for a perfect weekend.
"I am confident that everyone will be back next year for another gruelling day in the hills."
Cotter's Angels were awarded a prize for being the gutsiest team having been out for the full 12 hours.