Issue 1,221
Local News for Local Communities
Friday 20th February 2026
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Gold Medal for Half Marathon Walker Page 3
Museum Reopened Page 5
Sheffield Ewe Fair Lunch Tradition Page 11
2026 COAST TO COAST DELIVERS A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER The iconic Kathmandu Coast to Coast lived up to its reputation last weekend, with Malvern athletes among those tackling the 243km challenge from Kumara to New Brighton. A major weather bomb forced organisers to activate the alternative mountain run route for only the sixth time in history. With heavy rain and rising rivers, the traditional Goat Pass crossing was replaced by a demanding route over the Otira Viaduct, creating a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for competitors. Despite the conditions, local athletes delivered outstanding performances across all categories.
Female Veteran) enjoyed the Standout individual efforts! Kirwee’s Jake Vargo produced unexpected aspects of the Bone of the best Malvern course. Her highlight was performances of the event, finishing feeling like she got to finishing 1st in the Malvern enjoy all parts of the race and Veteran category and 8th really take it all in. overall in the 2-Day Individual Darfield’s Brett Warman ticked event. off a long‑held goal, finishing West Melton’s Isla McPherson 29th in the Male Veteran finished an impressive 4th in category commenting, “I was the Female U23 Elite. "The stoked with how I went, change in run course due to the achieving my goals along the rain made it even more exciting way. Big tick in my book. Huge and I met some awesome thanks to wife Paula who had to people along the way," Isla said. change plans quickly, as the car Kirwee’s Biddy Bell (20th towing our caravan blew up just
before the Viaduct on Friday. I had to run past the smoking car and stuck caravan!!” Some other local individual finishers included Jamie Hamilton (30th Male Veteran), Venessa Dyer (42nd Female Open), and DHS teacher Martin McDonald, who finished 15th in the Longest Day Veteran category. Young gun Kyle Towes, also from DHS, added to the Malvern results with 2nd place in the Mountain Run (14– 17).
Continued on page 12 …..
Isla McPherson, completed the 70km Kayak section in a time of five hours and eight minutes, finished an impressive 4th in the Female U23 Elite Individual.
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