Where it all began 💚
The story behind the Coastal Challenge & the birth of Total Sport.
25 years of coastline, community and one very special connection.
The Coastal Challenge has always held a special place in the story of Total Sport.
As the event heads towards its 25th edition, Aaron looks back at where it all began — and the person who helped shape it.
I’m a believer in celebrating birthdays. In August, Total Sport turned 26.
When I think about how long this little business has been going, I feel a mixture of emotions — pride, gratitude, luck and resilience being the strongest, I’d say.
There will always be a very special place in my heart for the first ‘real’ event Total Sport produced — the Coastal Challenge.
At the heart of Total Sport has always been a simple idea: getting people active and moving in the outdoors. We’re better when we move, and even better when we move with other like-minded people in beautiful natural places.
It doesn't have to be fast. We don't have to be chasing podiums. It's about being outside, moving through nature — in our shoes or on our bikes.
"Do we think people would be interested in running, walking or riding in this amazing place?"
That simple question has been the backbone of Total Sport for 26 years and has forever provided our why and sense of purpose.
Most of the 250–300 events we’ve produced have started in much the same way: finding an amazing place and wondering whether people might enjoy experiencing it on foot or by bike.
The Coastal Challenge came from exactly that thinking.
I grew up alongside the North Shore’s eastern coastline. From the age of five it was my playground — somewhere to run, walk, swim, swing from trees into the sea and escape with friends.
I wanted to create an event that would take people on a journey along that coastline. Different distances, people of different ages and abilities, and an opportunity to experience an incredible natural environment right in the middle of Auckland.
The person behind the start.
There’s another part of the story which makes the Coastal Challenge even more special to me.
I was 28 when I started Total Sport in 2000, on a complete whim, with virtually zero planning and zero capital. Around the same time, I had moved back home with my Mum, Sandy, who was battling cancer.
I was incredibly lucky to spend that time with her. We talked a lot about this new business I’d started and the Coastal Challenge I was hoping to create.
Mum had a background in events herself, and she became closely involved in helping pave the way for the first Coastal Challenge, which took place in February 2003.
Mum saw that first event.
She passed away later that year.
Supporting Harbour Hospice
Sandy spent her final days at Hospice North Shore, just around the corner from where we were living in Milford.
I was deeply touched by the way the people at Hospice cared for Mum and so many others as they approached their own finish lines.
A year or two later, I approached Hospice to see if they would consider becoming the charity of the Coastal Challenge.
That relationship has continued for around 20 years, and it’s one I’m incredibly proud of.
Celebrating 25 years!
So, as I said at the start, I’m a fan of celebrating birthdays.It’s a privilege to notch up another year, no matter which one it is.Mum was only able to celebrate 50 of them.Now the Coastal Challenge — an event with so much of her woven into it — is about to celebrate its 25th.
I’m looking forward to being part of the team delivering this amazing and completely unique event in February next year, knowing that Sandy will be watching down with pride.
Aaron
