January 2, 2017

Lord Howe Island resident Ollie Whistler has made local history and taken title of the Mount Gower Challenge, beating his father’s 18 year held record by just 47 seconds.

The annual challenge draws crowds of islanders and visitors as onlookers, but the course itself is for the intrepid only, as it rises 600 metres above sea level along narrow tracks and sheer cliffs to reach the summit of the extinct volcano.

Recovering from a dramatic collapse just 50 metres short of the finish line, Ollie made the 13km race in 1:40:23.

It was a day of wins in the Whistler family, as in the women’s event, Michelle Whistler set the first official time of 2:30:54.

Big Congratulations to Ollie from all at Capella Lodge!