Kids' triathlon: Crescendo of noise as 4000 descend on Frimley Park

More than 4000 people made Frimley Park feel more like the Olympics as kids from around Hawke's Bay took on a triathlon.

The 2020 Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon on what was a hot Tuesday morning, saw 1800 kids competing and about 4000 people in total, Sanitarium spokesman Peter Levett said.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst was in attendance and participated in the kid's warm-up on stage.

"I'm really, really proud to be at the triathlon, this is a fantastic event for our community and region, it's all about having healthy, fit children and seeing them out there having fun and just giving it a go.

Emily-Rose Wood, left, and Jessica Partridge both competed in the triathlon for the fun. Photo / Shannon Johnstone

"It's not about winning it's just about having a good time," she said.

Sporting celebrity's netball legend Irene van Dyk, field hockey player Emily Gaddum, and Hawke's Bay Magpie Kianu Kereru-Symes were also at the event to give out medals, be on the stage and encourage the kids.

Chris Mcivor, left, with daughter Scarlett Mcivor who competed in the triathlon on her 10th birthday. Photo / Shannon Johnstone

Van Dyk said: "I really like these events cause the kids have the opportunity to try something they don't often get the opportunity to do like netball or rugby which they get to do day in and day out.

"It's nice for them to get out of their comfort zone and try something different. For them to finish it and end up with a gold medal is pretty special," she said.

Emily Gaddum, now an ambassador for the event, competed in one of the earliest triathlons in Wellington when she was 7.

Kids gather for the triathlon at Frimley Park. Photo / Warren Buckland

"It's a neat atmosphere, it's so well-organised and it's all about having fun"

"It's one of the highlights of the year for kids and they all feel included, getting their medal is great," she said.

Diane Renolds and her son Blake Bramwell travelled from Gisborne for the triathlon. Photo / Shannon Johnstone

Blake Bramwell, aged 10, travelled to Hastings from Gisborne with his mother Diane Renolds to compete in his second kids' triathlon of the year.

Swimmers begin the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon. Photo / Warren Buckland

"I just love the encouragement aspect of it, he just always has such a great time," Renolds said.

Scarlett McIvor competed in the triathlon on her 10th birthday.

"It's awesome, I love it because it's fun and I love to run, bike and swim," she said.

Children could compete individually in all three legs of the race, or in a team of two.

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