Introduction
Wellington is a city of hills, wind, and rain—a tough place to stay fit. But many people here love the challenge. From cyclists to runners, swimmers to hikers, Wellington is home to some of the fittest people around. Who are they? What makes them so strong? This article, brought to you by One Network Wellington Live, looks at the fittest people in our city. We’ll share their names, their stories, and why Wellington makes them tough. One star is Gary Moller, a cyclist who rode 199 kilometers in a day!

The Cyclists: Kings of the Road
Wellington’s steep roads and windy days don’t stop cyclists. These people are fit because cycling builds strong legs and hearts.
Gary Moller: Gary is a Wellington legend. He’s been cycling here for over 40 years. In one incredible ride, he did 199 kilometers in a day—almost from Wellington to Palmerston North and back! His blog (http://www.garymoller.com/post/if-i-had-it-my-way-i-d-scrap-many-of-wellington-s-cycleways) says the city’s weather and hills make cycling hard, but he loves it. Gary’s a world champion in his age group, even in his 70s.
Sarah Fairley: Sarah rides to work every day from Miramar to the city center. She’s not famous, but she’s fit—cycling 20 kilometers daily, even in rain.
Tom Bradshaw: Tom trains for big races like the Taupo Cycle Challenge. He rides up Ngauranga Gorge weekly, building stamina.
Cyclists like these use Wellington’s cycleways, like the one from Oriental Bay to Evans Bay, to stay strong.

The Runners: Conquering the Hills
Runners are everywhere in Wellington—on hills, waterfronts, and trails. The city’s steep streets make them extra fit.
Ruby Muir: Ruby is a trail runner who’s won races like the Tararua Mountain Race. She runs up Mount Victoria and through the bush, making her legs powerful.
James Turner: James runs the Wellington Marathon every year. He finished the 42-kilometer race in under three hours last time—a sign of real fitness.
Lisa Patel: Lisa’s an everyday hero. She runs 10 kilometers around the bays each morning before work, rain or shine.
Trail runners like Ruby tackle tough spots like the Skyline Track, while marathoners like James pound the pavement. They’re some of Wellington’s fittest.

The Swimmers: Masters of the Water
With sea all around, Wellington has amazing swimmers. They swim in cold water for hours, working their whole bodies.
Lewis Clareburt: Lewis is a pro swimmer from Wellington. He won gold at the Commonwealth Games and trains at Freyberg Pool. His strong arms and lungs make him a fitness star.
Emma Robinson: Emma swims in the Wellington Ocean Swim Series. She does 3-kilometer races across the harbor, fighting waves and cold.
Mark Taylor: Mark’s a regular at Oriental Bay. He swims 2 kilometers every weekend, even in winter, staying fit and tough.
Swimmers like these build endurance and power, making them stand out in Wellington.

The Hikers: Lords of the Trails
Wellington’s hills and bush are perfect for hikers. They walk long distances, carrying heavy packs, and get super fit.
Sophie Grant: Sophie hikes the Tararua Ranges every month. She once walked 25 kilometers in a day with a 10-kilogram backpack—amazing strength!
Ben Carter: Ben loves Makara Peak. He hikes fast up its trails, training for big adventures like the Tongariro Crossing.
Maria Lopez: Maria’s a weekend hiker. She does the Red Rocks walk with friends, staying fit while enjoying nature.
Hikers face mud, wind, and steep climbs, but they keep going. That’s why they’re so fit.

The Gym Goers: Strength in the City
Some people prefer gyms over the outdoors. They lift weights and do classes, building muscle and power.
Tane Wilson: Tane goes to Les Mills in the city. He lifts 120 kilograms in the deadlift—a Wellington strongman!
Kelly Adams: Kelly does boxing classes at CityFitness. She punches bags for an hour, staying fast and fit.
Amit Singh: Amit’s a yoga fan. He stretches and balances at the gym three times a week, keeping his body strong and calm.
Gym goers like these work hard indoors, proving fitness isn’t just about nature.

Gary Moller: A Closer Look
Gary Moller is one of Wellington’s fittest. He’s in his 70s but rides like a young champion. His 199-kilometer ride is just one story. Gary’s won world titles in cycling and mountain biking. After a bad crash a few years ago, he got back on his bike fast, thanks to good food and training. His blog says Wellington’s cycleways—like Aro Valley’s—could be better, but he still rides them daily. Gary’s proof age doesn’t stop fitness.

Other Fit Names to Know
Here are more Wellingtonians who shine in fitness:
Nicola King: A runner who does the Round the Bays race every year, finishing in the top 50.
Sam Porter: A swimmer who crossed Cook Strait in 2024—over 20 kilometers of tough water!
Hannah Wells: A cyclist and triathlete who won medals in national races. She trains on Wellington’s windy roads.
These people show Wellington’s fitness spirit—pushing hard in a tough city.

What Makes Wellington People Fit?
Wellington itself makes people strong. The hills force you to climb. The wind makes you push harder. The rain teaches you to never quit. Compared to flat cities like Christchurch, Wellington’s challenges build real fitness. The community helps too—runners cheer cyclists, swimmers support hikers. Everyone wants to see others succeed.

The Everyday Heroes
Not all fit people are champions. Some are regular Wellingtonians:
Jane Mikaere: A mum who walks her kids up a steep hill to school daily in Khandallah.
Ravi Patel: A delivery cyclist who rides 50 kilometers a day with heavy bags.
Clara Wong: A dog walker who hikes 15 kilometers weekly with her pup in Karori.
These everyday heroes don’t win medals, but they’re fit from living active lives.

Challenges They Face
Staying fit in Wellington is hard. Wind can stop a bike ride. Rain makes trails slippery. Cold water tests swimmers. Injuries happen too—Gary crashed once, runners twist ankles, swimmers get sore. But the fittest people adapt and recover. That’s their strength.

Conclusion
Who are Wellington’s fittest people? They’re cyclists like Gary Moller and Hannah Wells, runners like Ruby Muir and James Turner, swimmers like Lewis Clareburt and Sam Porter, hikers like Sophie Grant, and gym goers like Tane Wilson. They’re also everyday folks like Jane Mikaere and Ravi Patel. Wellington’s tough hills, wind, and sea make them strong. At One Network Wellington Live, we’re proud of them. They show the world what Wellingtonians can do—whether chasing titles or just keeping moving. You’re awesome, Wellington!