Record number of entries for Rotorua kids duathlon (+video)

The rain held out as more than 450 Rotorua kids ran and biked their hearts out in the Rotorua Association of Triathletes off-road kids duathlon.

Now in its seventh year today's event attracted a record 468 entries from 15 Rotorua schools.

Heading out from Waipa Forest carpark the kids could compete in the short course (run 500m, bike 3km, run 500m) or longer course (run 1.5km, bike 8km, run 500m).

The children cheered each other across the finish line and followed up their races with a sausage sizzle.

Event organiser Grant Utteridge was pleased the weather held out after a rainy day last year.

"Kids have fun, they get to enjoy the forest and also get a good bit of exercise," he said.

"It's great to see them just getting out there and doing it."

Mr Utteridge said Lynmore School had traditionally been a big supporter of the event and this year it had 130 students participating.

Lynmore School teacher Ingrid Fisher said the school had been taking part since the event started.

"It's great for the competitive kids and for those who just want a challenge to overcome," she said.

Mrs Fisher praised the parents for their great support, getting the kids and their bikes to the forest.

It was 8-year-old Ollie Parsons from Rotokawa School's first time competing in the duathlon, and his mum had come out to cheer him on.

"It was fun, challenging and exciting," he said after finishing the short course.

(From left) Grace Adler, Seirra Harris, Jack Marra, Paige Dudson and Danielle Green had a great time in the duathlon. Photo/Alice Guy

Tracy Stubbing, a Year 6 teacher at Westbrook School, said the event was great for the kids.

"It's great participation and great team spirit."

She was impressed by Westbrook student Jack Marra, who won the Year 5-6 boys' short course then ran back to spur on his schoolmates after he had finished.

A full list of winners was not yet available. It will be up at http://rats.org.nz/ shortly.