If you think participating in a multisport event is tough, hardman Kevin Pennell cranked it up to an entirely unprecedented level at the recent Nugget Multisport Festival in Waihi.
That's because he tackled the final mountain bike section with a broken leg - all because he didn't want to let his team down.
That's the sort of team spirit bound to emerge in the gold mining town of Waihi, home of The Nugget Multisport Festival. You never drop your mates.
We've heard this sort of stuff before, but it typically comes from the rugby field: the famous All Black Red Conway who chopped his finger off to ensure selection; Buck Shelford who didn't leave the field despite a ripped scrotum (extra 'ouch' points there); and Dean Lonergan who couldn't be stopped after being knocked out in a league test against the Aussies.
 Kevin Pennell (second from left) is helped over the finish line by his team mates at The Nugget Multisport Festival, after completing his stage with a broken leg.(Photo: The Nugget Multisport Festival; click to enlarge) |
With his antics in the Nugget, Kevin Pennell is staking a claim to becoming part of Waihi folklore.
The story begins with a group of tradesmen from the picturesque town who meet regularly over a beer. The tight group known as 'Trade Night' aren't just in it for the libations; instead, the members participate in all manner of activities, including mountain biking in the local park. When one suggested entering the local multisport event, it was game on and two teams of four keen blokes signed up for the Full Nugget – a tough 78 kilometre road cycle, kayak, off-road run and mountain bike.
Being 'Kiwi-as', not only did they enter, but they also approached organisers to see how they could help. Knowing the capabilities of the guys, event director Mark Samson quickly signed them up to assist with event set up and pull down. He can't commend the guys highly enough, saying "they just get stuck in and do what is needed. I guess that is what you get in a small community."
Naturally, with bragging rights at stake, there was a bit of rivalry between the two Trade Night teams. Chasing down his opposite with 7 kilometres to go (and perhaps forgetting the old idiom that pride comes before a fall), Pennell lost it and landed awkwardly on his ankle. Putting his weight on the joint, he immediately realised there was something seriously amiss – but that wasn't stopping him.
Despite the pain, he carried on and reached the finish line - but his agony had only just begun. That's because the Nugget concludes with all members of each team running the final 2.2 kilometres around the Martha mine together.
Any sane person would have called it quits, but with help from his mates Pennell hobbled to the finish to the sound of great cheers from the crowd.
Reality has set in several days on for Pennell; not only does he now sport an impressive cast, but he's also had to delay the start of a new business – but all in all, he reckons that's a small price to pay to keep the team in the game.
Despite the setback, Pennell has every intention to return to the event next year. However, next time round, he's adamant that he won't be providing a further entry to grow the lore of the race and hopes to reach the finish line in one piece in 2015.
