Mount Maunganui's iconic beach was extra well patrolled this weekend, with the surf life savers from around the country taking on The Mount Monster.
The 25-kilometre, four-discipline event was enough to test even the fittest clubbies.
After ploughing through soft sand for five kilometres, the competitors get to take a refreshing dip straight off the end of Moturiki Island.
The men's race turned into a battle between 19-year-olds Ben Ochcran and Mason Bryant through the 1.5-kilometre swim and the 12-kilometre ski.
Cochrane looked to be in real trouble as his legs cramped at the final transition, but 12 months training in Queensland paid off as he battled through the pain to take the lead on the six-kilometre paddleboard.
He eventually completed the four-discipline race in a shade over 2hr, 20min.
Defending champion Kirsty Wannan crossed the line just 13 minutes later to take out the women's race, more than a minute ahead of Piha Clubmate Hannah Williams.
Wannan slashed four minutes off her winning time from 2014.
With summer holidays fast approaching, The Mount Monster might not be the only time these lifeguards have their stamina tested.
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