By KATIE FARMAN in Rotorua
Whatever their individual reasons were for completing yesterday's women's-only triathlon at Tikitapu (Blue Lake), almost 2000 women shared the same reaction at the finish line - pride and happiness.
"That was awesome," one delighted Special K competitor told The Daily Post after completing
the 300m swim, 10km cycle and 5km run.
"Even though it was a little hillier than I thought, it made it more challenging and more of a buzz to be here [at the end]."
Yesterday's triathlon, held in chilly but fine conditions, was the 10th and final event of this summer's popular Special K series - attracting 1725 women, 600 of whom were from Rotorua.
Series creator Shane Hooks said he was "gobsmacked" by the turnout, which was the second biggest Special K in the North Island, behind Auckland, and the third largest in the country, behind Christchurch.
"You'd think we'd been here for years with a turnout like this and looking around it's fantastic, there's not an ounce of weariness on these competitors," said Mr Hooks. "All the women dug deep for themselves and for each other and to be honest I am amazed with the enormous level of support out there - it's wonderful."
Rotorua first hosted the event at Hamurana last year, attracting 600 competitors. However, a shallow swim leg prompted the Rotorua District Council to change the venue to the scenic Blue Lake.
"The council has been incredibly supportive and done themselves proud with relocating this event," Mr Hooks said. "It's such a beautiful setting and to hold the final event [for 2004/05] here is out of this world - the Rotorua community should be very proud."
