McDonalds Triathlon: Kids flock to Frimley Park

Kids of all ages took part in the annual McDonalds Hawke's Bay Primary and Intermediate School Triathlon at Frimley Park yesterday. Photo/supplied.

A frenzy of young Hawke's Bay triathletes swam, pedalled and ran their way to the finish line at Frimley Park yesterday.

Hundreds of the region's year 5 to year 8's turned out to compete in the annual McDonalds Hawke's Bay Primary and Intermediate School Triathlon.

Students competed as either a team or as an individual.

For the years 5 and 6 taking part - 100m swim, 2.5km cycle and 1.5km run.

For the years 7 and 8 taking part - 200m swim, 5km cycle and 3km cycle.

Ten-year-old, Ruby Swinbanks from Greenmeadows School competed in the triathlon for the first time, having done three Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon's previously.

"I was nervous but excited at the same time."

She competed in the swimming component of the race, with 9-year old Kyla Bolton biking and 10-year-old Harper Ewart running.

Sports co-ordinator, Nicki Sunley said it was "very exciting" for the "huge number of children" taking part.

"Many people took part for the first time. It a fantastic event that is well organised. Literally anyone can try it."

"We encourage all sports at the school and have a triathlon club."

Raureka School student, Panapa Lambert was biking in a group and was excited to give it a go.

Eighty-six kids from Te Mata School made their way through the course and sports coordinator Penny Chatfield was hoping for another record breaking number.

Tri HB general manager Mike Bond said 24 primary and intermediate schools took part, with a "record" 571 children.

The triathlon, which has been running for a number of years was changed to a duathlon last year, as the Havelock North water crisis caused the swimming pool to be out of action.

He said there was a $500 cash incentive for schools two schools to buy sports equipment.

This event is always a huge success and this year we even have a cash incentive for schools.

Maraekakaho School won $500 cash for the school with most participants, with 39 per cent of the school role partaking in the event, and Mahora School won $500 in a the random draw.

"The feeling amongst parents and children was that they had a really good time."

The children each had an electronic timer around their ankle, which recorded the fastest competitors in each category.

WINNERS:
Mixed - Year 5 team: Haumoana CMA Haumoana 16:53
Female - Year 5 Team: Haumoana Heroes Haumoana 16:19
Male - Year 5 Team: Havelock Trio Havelock North Primary 14:57
Female - Year 5 Individual: Evie Skidmore Havelock North Primary 16:52
Male - Year 5 Individual: George Clarke Haumoana 15:30
Mixed - Year 6 Team: Haumoana Hawkes Haumoana 14:43
Female - Year 6 Team: Ellwikluchacorns Te Mata School 14:59
Male - Year 6 Team: Ninja Turtles Haumoana 13:05
Female - Year 6 Individual: Amanda Holland Haumoana 16:52
Male - Year 6 Individual: Jett Varcoe Te Mata School 14:59
Mixed - Year 7 Team: Mixed up Heretaunga Int 29:27
Female - Year 7 Team: Nans Maraekakaho School 36:33
Male - Year 7 Team: JDW Extreme Eskdale 31:20
Female - Year 7 Individual: Kelly Littlechild Heretaunga Int 42:00
Mixed - Year 8 Team: Taradale Intermediate 1 Taradale Intermediate 26:45
Female - Year 8 Team: Power Puffs Heretaunga Int 30:33
Male - Year 8 Team: Rainbow Warriors Pukehamoamoa 28:03
Female - Year 8 Individual: Stella Marshall Taradale Intermediate 30:14
Male - Year 8 Individual: Liam Alexander Taradale Intermediate 28:39