19 Facts About Robin Judkins

Robin Austin Judkins was born on 10 May 1949 and is a New Zealand sports administrator.

Robin Judkins created the Alpine Ironman and the Coast to Coast, races that are often credited for being the origin of adventure racing.

Robin Judkins has published an autobiography, Mad Dogs: Life on the Edge.

Robin Judkins received his schooling at St Bede's College and was an A-grade student, but never showed any interest in education.

Robin Judkins was the captain of the school's rugby team for a while.

Robin Judkins spent a year at the University of Canterbury and seven months at Christchurch Teachers' College to become a teacher, but he failed "miserably" because he had not learned how to swot.

Robin Judkins competed in ski racing and his best result was a tenth place in the New Zealand nationals in 1973.

Robin Judkins had a variety of employers and never stayed anywhere for more than two years.

Robin Judkins then took a job as a travelling salesman for McGraw-Hill Publishing and the luxury of having an expense account turned him into a chronic alcoholic.

Robin Judkins refused further travel to stem his drinking and lost his job.

Robin Judkins organised his first sports event in 1975, the Coca-Cola Freestyle Skiing Contest.

Robin Judkins fell out with his two partners and proceeded alone, vowing to never again team up with others for organising an event.

Robin Judkins decided in 1982 to organise the Coast to Coast race, and had secured sponsorship from Macpac through his friend Geoff Gabbites, one of Macpac's former directors.

Robin Judkins returned to Wanaka for the summer to organise funding for the Coast to Coast, and he organised three rock concerts; one in Wanaka and two in Queenstown.

Robin Judkins invested his earnings in the Ohau skifield, but it was taken out by a major avalanche on day 13 of its operation.

In 1987, a television documentary was produced while Robin Judkins held the Alpine Ironman.

Robin Judkins fought a very public fight with politicians and conservationists, including Gerry McSweeney, and obtained all the approvals and permits, but cancelled the event.

Robin Judkins sold the Coast to Coast event to Queenstown-based Trojan Holdings Ltd on 10 May 2013 on his 64th birthday.

Robin Judkins acted as race director in 2014 for the final time at the 33rd event.