Big numbers try out Tri Whanganui

Danja Grunwald and Connor Giltrap join Antonia Harding as she makes her way to the finish-line.

Around 170 competitors had no problem with an early start or concern about the overnight rain, to delight the organisers of the inaugural Tri Whanganui at Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens) yesterday morning.

Run by Maori Toa, spokeswoman Mel Maniapoto said they had planned for between 50-120 entries.

"I was only expecting 30. I thought I was being unrealistic.

"Today was about participation - getting our whanau active."

The event had been close to being cancelled overnight due to the rain, but Maori Toa decided early in the morning to simply move their tent village to the roadside, while shortening the 600m swim and 20km cycle slightly on the Sprint Triathlon, while maintaining the 5km walk/run distance.

"There was absolutely no stress, I had up to 50 volunteers who assisted with this event," said Maniapoto.

"Just overwhelming with the support that's been brought into this."

The 3/9/3 Triathlon was a 300m swim, 9km and 3km walk/run, while a 5km fun walk/run was also included, with everyone receiving a medal.

Bruce Harding enters the finishing chute.

Maniapoto thanked the Maori wardens who looked after the race headquarters overnight and handled traffic, as well as local kaumatua getting behind the triathlon by taking part.

Major supporting organisations were Te Puni Kōkiri, Nga Tai O Te Awa, Te Oranganui, and Wanganui Multisport and Triathlon Club.

Ed Whiting with his medal.