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MARTY MARTELLA : BLENHEIM : MANAGING DIRECTOR, HUSBAND, DAD, OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
Like many endurance athletes, Marty’s journey started after finishing another sport. After hanging up the rugby boots, he realised pretty quickly that he needed a new challenge. As he puts it, “I stopped playing rugby and got fat!”
Somewhere along the way the idea of taking on the Coast to Coast popped into his head. At the time the event wasn’t nearly as well known as it is today, and to Marty it felt like it might be easier to get to the moon than complete Coast to Coast. Fast forward 15 years, and endurance sport has become a big part of his life.
What drives him is simple, being better today than he was yesterday.
These days Marty keeps a busy race calendar. On the horizon are a couple of half marathons, WU2K, the Tekapo Ultra, the Portage Kayak Race and hopefully another Coast to Coast. For him, endurance sport is about variety, adventure and constantly finding new challenges.
Training Life
Marty’s favourite sessions are what he calls “adventure time.” If it involves heading into the hills, exploring new terrain and pushing the body a little, he’s happy. Even better if the day includes climbing or skiing.
Like most athletes though, not every session is a favourite. The long, steady road rides or runs can feel a bit repetitive, but they’re all part of building the engine.
Before any training session there’s one non-negotiable: coffee.
And afterwards? Marty keeps things simple – hot salty chips and a cold beer, especially after a big day out.
The Big Moments
Over the years Marty has racked up some impressive endurance experiences. One of his favourites was competing in Godzone, a legendary adventure race that pushed him physically and mentally.
He’s also taken on some personal endurance challenges, including an unofficial 24-hour effort covering around 80km with 5000 metres of climbing.
But one of his most defining moments came during a Coast to Coast Longest Day. After a heavy fall that left him battered and sore, the day quickly turned into a tough mental battle. It was dark, painful and relentless but Marty refused to give up.
For him, finishing that race wasn’t about time or results.
It was about resilience.
Dream Adventures
Marty’s adventure list is far from finished. One goal that sits firmly on the horizon is climbing Aoraki / Mt Cook.
Despite having a fear of heights, he’s learned how to manage it and has already completed some incredible climbs around New Zealand. Some of those have been solo missions, where the only person who truly knows what happened out there is Marty himself.
Those quiet, personal achievements are some of the most meaningful.
The TEAMCPNZ Difference
What Marty values most about being part of TEAMCPNZ is the community.
Training cycles have ups and downs, and everyone has those tough days. Knowing there are people you can call for reassurance, advice, or even just a simple “you’ve got this” makes a huge difference.
That support network is what helps athletes keep moving forward.
Advice for New Athletes
Marty’s advice for anyone starting their endurance journey is clear:
Get good advice early.
Endurance sport has a lot of moving parts – training, nutrition, gear, terrain and technique. Without the right guidance it’s easy to spend time battling injuries or learning lessons the hard way.
Surrounding yourself with the right people, the right knowledge and the right support can make the journey far more enjoyable, and ultimately far more successful.
TEAMCPNZ
Everyday people achieving epic things.
SARA VERMEULEN : CHRISTCHURCH
TEAMCPNZ
Everyday people achieving epic things.
STEVEN MUFF : CHRISTCHURCH
TEAMCPNZ
Everyday people achieving epic things.
