Challenge to suit up for event

Suit-ably attired Simon Tremain preparing for a practice dash against (from left) Hamish Webber, Hamish White and Rob Townshend, with starter Mike Bond from co-organisers Triathlon Hawke's Bay ready to set them off. Photo / Warren Buckland

When it comes time for Simon Tremain to enter the swimming leg of next month's great triathlon, which bears his company's name, he won't be wearing a suit.

Although, as he proved in a widely watched online video posted last month on Facebook, he does not appear too held back by freestyling across a stretch of the Ahuriri Lagoon in his business suit.

It was just the emerging from the water which appeared to be a slight struggle. The post was all about making a challenge.

A challenge to some of the event's fellow sponsors across Hawke's Bay to don the swimming trunks, sort out the running kit and find a good bicycle safety lid and take him on in the Tremains Corporate Triathlon which is being staged on March 13.

"Yeah, they're coming aboard - and they'll have to be good to get in front of me," Mr Tremain said with a smile yesterday as he limbered up alongside three challengers at the Hawke's Bay Sports Park.

He was, of course, attired in his suit but did put on a sweatband and took his shoes and socks off.

"I hope you're going to kayak in your suit," Rob Townshend from Bayswater said. "I've done it before - I'll be ready for you."

Hamish Webber from Brebner Print said it would be his third triathlon and when asked if he would finish in front of Mr Tremain simply answered "hell yeah".

During a bit of a training jog for a photo the competition quickly emerged as all four began to sprint - with Hamish White, chief executive of NOW, getting the breakaway. All three of his challengers had since posted their own online video responses to Mr Tremain and there had been plenty of hits.

The Tremains Corporate Triathlon has been running since 1994 and is the largest corporate team event staged in Hawke's Bay.

It is organised in partnership with Triathlon Hawke's Bay and Sports Hawke's Bay, and all funds raised through the entry fee will be distributed back into the community.

Mr Tremain said it had always been about challenging other businesses to "have a go" or for friends to go "head to head" to see who is first past the finish line. As it had in the past, it would be staged around the Esplanade Domain in Westshore with teams competing over a 600m swim or a 1700m kayak, a 5km run or walk and a 20km bike ride. It will kick off at 10am when the swimmers hit the water at Pandora Pond followed by the kayakers.

Free buses will be provided to get competitors to Pandora Pond and after the event back to the domain where the registration and support tents will be set up.