Canterbury’s mascot Larry the Lamb stunned fans by winning the NPC final mascot race — thanks to national sprint champion Tiaan Whelpton secretly wearing the costume.
Whelpton, who holds New Zealand’s 60m record and the resident 100m title, said he tested the heavy fibreglass head beforehand, securing it with a pink bike helmet to stop it flying off. The victory marks redemption for Larry, who finished last in 2024’s race.
Whelpton joked that the run brought him more recognition than his record-breaking performances on the track.
