Kids go the distance in annual Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon

TRYING: Stretching out in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon today at Frimley Park, Hastings. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR.

The school term was only a fortnight old and the weather forecast hadn't been the best, but it didn't stop Hastings turn on a real show for the latest event in the series of Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlons today.

Hundreds of children from dozens of Hawke's Bay schools packed Frimley Park, where the event started with pool swims of 50-200 metres depending on ages within the range of 7-15 years.

Cyclists did either one or two laps of a 4km course around the park and neighbouring streets Hart Pl, Lyndhurst, Nottingley, Ikanui and Frimley roads Rd, and Frimley Ave, and runners did a run of about over 1.5km.

It was the latest of the triathlons taking place throughout the country in 17 cities and towns during the summer, with four in the upper North Island in December and the rest during the first term of the new year.

The forecast had been for "rain at times" but the event, which was delayed a little because of traffic and parking issues, took place in quite contrasting conditions, with no rain until the slightest drop at the end.

It was hot, and mum Nicole Minogue, who had a son and daughter taking part, and proud enough to see they'd finished said: "I'm burnt."

Taradale Primary pupil Ryan Peach burnt them off, the 10-year-old raising his arms triumphantly at the head of his age group.

The TRYathlons are in their 26th year, billed as the biggest sports event for "kids" in the World.

Participants receive a medal, a "downloadable" certificate of achievement, the event t-shirt, drawstring kit bag and swim cap, and breakfast from sponsors Sanitarium.