Ironman NZ: Chasing a Sub-10 Hour Finish

Completing an Ironman might be a gruelling individual event, but anyone who’s done one knows how much of a team effort it takes to get there.

For Apollo Site Manager Harry, crossing the finish line at the recent Ironman New Zealand in Taupō was the result of months of hard training and discipline. And Harry’s the first to acknowledge that while race day is about one athlete, the journey to get there is built on the backs of your supporters (he even has the photo to prove it).

Harry’s training campaign was supported by a crew of family, friends, colleagues and one very understanding partner (shout out to Lily!) who all played a role in making the goal a reality.

In 2023, Harry first tackled the full distance Ironman distance with a goal to finish and post a time under 10h30. Achieving this goal, Harry happily retired swore off the sport forever... or so he thought. However, in late 2025, something lit a fire within and suddenly the urge to break the elusive 10h barrier was an idea he couldn't shake. The idea turned into fuel, and the motto “sub-10 or death” was the driving force behind every early morning session and late-night ride.

By race week, Harry was in the best condition of his life. Fitness was high, confidence was high, and everything pointed towards a strong day out.

To give the sub-10 goal the best chance possible, the race was broken into a few key targets across each leg.

Swim (3.8km) – sub 1 hour: A swim under an hour is a classic Ironman benchmark. Hitting that mark would show the swim fitness was there and set things up well for the rest of the race.

Bike (180km) – sub 5 hours, 30 minutes: The Taupō bike course was significantly more challenging than his previous Ironman in Western Australia, with around 1,400+m of climbing. Harry’s aim was to get as close as possible to his previous Ironman bike time of 5:17, allowing a little extra time for the elevation.

Run (42km) – sub 3 hours 15 minutes: This was a big one and his second most important goal of the day. Running 3:15” would mean beating his standalone marathon personal best of 3:22 by seven minutes, and besting his previous Ironman run time by more than 30minutes. Which, after completing a 3.8 km swim and a 180 km ride, is a serious challenge.

In Harry’s own words, “Those last 10km, 5km, 3km, 2km and 1km were the longest of my life! I was trying my best to hold pace up the slight hill to the end. I saw the finish line and was constantly checking my watch if I could make sub 3:15.”

“The final push. Heart rate elevated, each stride breathing heavier, losing composure and grimacing through the pain. Finally, the red carpet. I had some time to spare, I heard my sister yelling out to enjoy the finish, which was something I’d promised myself I’d do before the race. Coming down the red carpet a sense over overwhelming pride and relief flood the body. The adrenaline kicks in; I realise everything I set out to achieve was a success. A proud and loud celebratory yell comes out as I cross the finish line. Shortly followed by a swift collapse onto the ground from pure exhaustion.”

Harry got the job done in a total time of 9:46:14 with an amazing 27min overall PB.

Congratulations Harry; YOU ARE AN IRONMAN (again!). Apparently, the monkey’s now off his back (much to Lily’s relief!) … but we know things come in threes, so watch this space!