Rebecca beats her mum to the triathlon finish line

She may only be a child but Rebecca Black is faster than her mum.

The 11-year-old from Pongakawa took part in the More FM Women's Triathlon at Tikitapu (Blue Lake) yesterday. She has taken part in three previous triathlons - two Weet-Bix Kids' Triathlons and the Maketu Triathlon. But yesterday was the first time she had competed alongside her mother Joanne Black, beating her to the finish line by at least 10 minutes.

Rebecca said she found the event both gruelling and enjoyable.

"The scenery was nice and the run was in the bush which was nice. It was quite challenging riding up some of the hills though."

More than 900 women from throughout the country took part in the triathlon which covered a 300m swim, 10km bike ride and 5.5km run around the lake.

However, one contestant in the fun event was knocked off her bike by a car towing a boat.

She suffered a broken ankle and was taken to Rotorua Hospital.

Organisers say it was the 58th triathlon in the series and the accident was only the second during the entire series.