Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Cambridge 2025 draws more than 1900 children to take part

Marley Vave, 7, took part in the Weet-Bix Tryathlon last weekend. She was awarded her medal by Tryathlon ambassadors and Kiwi sporting legends, weightlifter David Liti and slalom canoeist Luuka Jones. Photo / Supplied

More than 1900 tamariki descended on Cambridge on Sunday for this year’s Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.

The children, aged 6 to 15, splashed, pedalled and ran their hearts out at St Peter’s School.

Among them was 7-year-old Marley Vave, a special tryathlete from Leamington Primary School.

Marley has overcome a major health battle as a toddler, when she spent 169 days in hospital and underwent four surgeries to treat a severe bone infection in her hip.

This means any contact sport is off the table for her.

But she was really excited about taking part in the tryathlon and her whānau helped her train on a new bike at home.

“I felt a bit nervous on the day, but mostly excited,” she said.

“I’d been practising heaps and I really wanted to give it a good go.

“My favourite part was getting to the end and seeing my friends with their medals.

“It made me feel really proud and I definitely want to do it again.”

Sanitarium NZ general manager Michael Barton said Cambridge had once again turned out in force for the iconic event.

“We had a stellar turnout.

“Now in its 34th year, the TRYathlon has become a beloved tradition in the community, and we’re proud to host an event that gives kids of all abilities the chance to try something new, build confidence, and most importantly, have fun.”

Open to kids of all sporting abilities, the Tryathlon is designed to help kids stay active.

The event, held in several locations across New Zealand, has been running since 1992. Nationwide, over half a million kids give it a try.

Participants can enter individually or as a team of two to swim, cycle and run their way around specially-designed courses.