Getting ready to start the swim leg of the Weet-bix Tryathlon last Sunday. Photo: Monique Bergman
Getting ready to start the swim leg of the Weet-bix Tryathlon 2015. Photo: Monique Bergman

Kids ‘tryathlon’ was biggest yet

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A new event record was set for the Nelson Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon held last weekend with over 1800 kids aged between seven to 15 years taking part in the largest ever children’s event in Nelson.

After last week’s heavy rain, the skies cleared for perfect racing conditions at Tahunanui as kids lined up on the beach in readiness for their sprint into the sea. Parents, grandparents and friends cheered on children of all fitness levels as they participated in a 50 to 200 metre swim, four to eight kilometre bike ride and a one and a half kilometre run.

World Champion & Olympic medallist track cyclist, Aaron Gate along with local sporting heroes Black Sticks women’s hockey team captain, Anita Punt and Nelson Giants basketballer Sam Dempster joined in the fun by congratulating the kids and handing out medals at the finish line.

The organisation of the event was a winner also, with plenty of Marshalls on hand ensuring the day ran smoothly for both kids and parents.

The event, which is in its 23rd year, is all about encouraging kids to get active in a fun environment and is the world’s largest triathlon series for under 16s as certified by the International Triathlon Union. It continues to be a rite-of-passage for many kids across our region.