Ominous signs from the 2017 champion heading into tomorrow's Ironman New Zealand in Taupo

Wanaka's Braden Currie is backing his running form after storming through from 23rd off the bike to 7th at last year's World Champs in Hawaii.

Defending champion Mike Phillips had the fastest ever marathon split on the Taupo course last year but his buildup's been hampered by a back injury.

In contrast, Currie says he's feeling great.



USA's defending women's champion and race record holder Jocelyn McCauley is also back chasing a third New Zealand title.