Triathlon: No finishing tape in sight

Joe McCallum, 75, finds sport invigorating. Photo / APN

As far as rivalries go there aren't too many that date back as far as Joe McCallum and Alec Hill's.

The two resume their friendly competition this Thursday in the start of the Orca swim 'n run series at Takapuna Beach.

The Scottish veteran triathletes McCallum (75) and Hill (77), who met in New Zealand, have competed in the series since it began in the late 80s and now have their own age group, 70-100 years.

The duo, who are North Harbour Triathlon Club mates, still compete in triathlon's individual disciplines - ocean swimming, cycling, and running half marathons as well as events such as the swim 'n run series.

"We've been mates for a long time and the people talk about us being rivals but it is very friendly and we just enjoying swimming and running together," said McCallum, who was the first man to run a full marathon on Great Barrier Island fundraising for Kaitoke Primary School.

"It's not intense at all," adds Hill.

"We just enjoy being able to be compete in these events together - it is not about who is winning, we are well past that stage."

McCallum, who arrived in New Zealand in 1956 on the second to last voyage of the Captain Cook as a "£10 Scotsman", began swimming when he was 10 back in 1947 when his dad took him to the Glasgow swimming pools.

Hill, a former sea merchant also from Glasgow, arrived in New Zealand in 1955 and loves living in Devonport by the ocean.

He got into running and triathlon events about 30 years ago after training with McCallum in his recovery from a broken hip.

The series has been organised by the North Harbour Triathlon Club for more than 20 years and the veterans love what it offers.

"People can be quite gloomy these days and moan about life but there is a lot of fun to be had and when you get amongst a group of athletes who are hyped up and happy - it is bloody fantastic," said McCallum.

"It is great to be involved with the young people in sport," said Hill.

"We get a lot of people coming up to us saying 'well if you can do it then maybe I should be doing it too' - that is really encouraging and it is that motivation that keeps you going."

The series is popular with competitors of all abilities, from social and first-time entrants to seasoned triathletes, and is $80 for nine race series, or $45 for under 19s.

Event director Eric Wilson said he expects more than 300 competitors to take part each Thursday evening.

And what advice do they have for anyone saying they are too old to be an athlete?

"Get off your arse and get into it," said McCallum. "The more oxygen you can take into your body the better you will be for it.

"I am going to keep going for as long as I am still able and enjoying it."