As the countdown towards the 2015 Nugget Multisport Festival gets underway, a battle for honours is shaping up between 18-year-old Whakatane athlete Hayden Wilde and veteran Dwarne Farley from Tauranga.

Last year, 43-year-old Farley took top honours in the signature multisport event, which consists of a 33km road cycle, a 10km kayak, a 12km run and a 23 km mountain bike race. But this year, a new contender means victory for Farley is far from certain.

Running around Martha's Mine pit rim. Photos: Supplied.

Taking place in picturesque Waihi Beach on Saturday, May 9, the Nugget Multisport Festival is a real family affair with something for everyone. In addition to the full multisport course, the Festival also features a duathlon and three running events of different distances.

With some serious training under his belt and a recently concluded campaign in the Godzone adventure race, Farley looks to be in the best shape of his life.

His team ‘One Square Meal' took six days to dispatch the Godzone course over some of the South Island's most arduous terrain, and the hardman lost nearly all his toenails during the brutal event.

However, this long, slow grind of endurance will stand him in good stead for the rest of the year.

Further adding to his reputation for toughness, Farley's exploits come on the back of an accident which saw his femur broken when he was hit by a motorcyclist in 2012.

Last year marked his return to form, when he added third place at the Motu Challenge to his triumph at the Nugget.

Hopeful of bigger things this year, Farley faces a challenge from a young up and comer.

At just 18, Trident High School student Hayden Wilde is looking like a strong contender, managing a second place at last year's Kururau Krusher event in Taumarunui.

And despite being plagued by mechanical issues, Wilde managed to get ahead of Farley at last year's Motu Challenge, only to experience problems with his kayak which forced his withdrawal.

While Farley can be expected to enjoy a slight advantage in the kayak, he will need to watch out for the fleet-footed Wilde, who is capable of disposing of 10 kilometres in just 33 minutes.

This is likely to set up a compelling duel on the mountain bike stage and the final 2.2km gallop around the Martha's Mine pit rim, which takes competitors to the finish.

The Nugget Multisport Festival not only caters for elite athletes, but is ideal for all levels with its multiple events and distances.

Race director Mark Samson credits this format for attracting a great number of first timers, while also pointing to the achievable nature of the course.

'The kayak stage in particular can be off-putting for people wanting to try multisport,” admits Mark.

'We have an inner harbour course that's safe and very well supported by our coastguard and surf lifesaving clubs. None of the stages are too long but put together make a fair challenge.”

Samson adds that the sharp end of the race, with the likes of Farley and Wilde duking it out for line honours, isn't the only excitement for the day.

'I'd urge anyone who is keen for a great day out to come and join us,” he says.

'The course is memorable, the event is achievable and taking part is a reward in its own right.”

Dwarne Farley will be taking part in the event.