Sophie and Nathan do it again, in record time

Tasman adventure racing legends Sophie Hart and Nathan Fa’avae have again triumphed in the Yukon 1000 the world’s longest kayak and canoe race, from Canada to Alaska.

Sophie, from the Marlborough Sounds, and Tasman-based Nathan, finished the 1000 mile/1600km journey shortly before 2pm New Zealand time today, after five days, 11 hours and 3 minutes paddling. Racing under the Team Furtuna Skin banner, their time broke the race record by 45 minutes. The previous record was also held by them and set in 2024.

The second-placed team, 4 Hour Fuel, finished in 5:14:36, also breaking the previous record.

The race can be done in canoes or kayaks, with a two-person team, and involves paddling 1000 miles along the Yukon River from White Horse in Canada to Dalton Highway Bridge in Alaska, through remote landscapes.

The Yukon 1000 sees teams paddle through vast stretches of wilderness where there are no roads, towns, or support crews. Despite attracting thousands of applications from around the world each year, the race organisers accept just 30 teams to compete.

For Nathan, this year's race carries a deeper purpose than athletic achievement alone.

He is using the Yukon 1000 as a platform to raise awareness and support for the Fa'avae Foundation, a charitable fund established by his parents, Phil and Jan Fa'avae, to support the educational development and future opportunities of Pasifika youth in the Top of the South region. Nathan’s fundraising goal is simple: $10 per mile of the race, with a target of raising $10,000.

"We're trying to create something that will last for generations," said Nathan. "The race is temporary, but the impact we hope to create through the Foundation can continue long after we've crossed the finish line."

The public can support Nathan's Yukon 1000 fundraising campaign and learn more about the Fa'avae Foundation at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/httpsnathanfaavaenzfaavaefund