Few locations in New Zealand are as synonymous with summer as Mount Maunganui – and one of the region’s most iconic events is set for another pulse-racing instalment this weekend.

The Race One Surf Craft Mount Monster, famed as the most prestigious surf life-saving endurance race in Aotearoa, will roar into life for its 12th season on Saturday, December 14.

Competitors from across the country and overseas flock to the Bay of Plenty hot spot to challenge themselves in individual and teams competition events against the spectacular backdrop of Mauao/Mount Maunganui.

The 2023 open champions are back to defend their respective titles. Local product Jayden Murphy will have the biggest target on his back, having won the last three Mount Monsters and claimed the Ironman title at March’s National Surf Life Saving Championships.

Jayden Murphy from Mount Maunganui winning the 2023 Mount Monster event. Photo supplied

Kate McHardy will be looking to back up her heroics from last December, when she stunned the field to become the youngest female Mount Monster winner at just 17.

Among the many lifeguards and athletes descending on the Mount are a pair of highly credential French competitors – multi-time French and European men’s champion Santxo Etcheverry and women’s ocean racing world champion Thais Delrieux.

Former world Ironwoman champion Harriet Brown, from Australia, is also in the field as a team participant.

The event begins with a 10km ski paddle out from Main Beach past North Rock and Rabbit Island then back before a 5km soft sand run, followed by a jump from the famous “Blow Hole” on Moturiki Island for a 1.5km ocean swim, then closes out with a 5.5km board paddle to the finish.

Skill and stamina, mental and physical strength will be tested for the 340 competitors – covering a range of age categories, with the youngest entrant 14 years old and the oldest in their 60s – all determined to conquer their own monster.

The Race One Surf Craft Mount Monster was established in 2012 and has become a highly anticipated feature on the surf life-saving calendar.

Racing is to get under way at 9am on Saturday, December 14, with all welcome to attend.