Second attempt at an Escape

Sound the alarms and call out the search parties, there will be another Escape from Kaitoke next weekend.

After the success of the original triathlon in the shadow of Wanganui Prison in April run in partnership by the Wanganui Multisport & Triathlon Club and Wanganui Mountain Bike Club July 21 will see a sequel around the Harakeke Forest.

Club spokeswoman Melina Holmes said the sequel will be the first of two duathlon races run, bike, run with the next on September 15.

The original Escape included a swimming or kayaking leg around Pauri Lake and involved more than 40 competitors as individuals and teams.

Holmes said the September race will also have a "kids-focused race".

"We are really excited about the races; they are all off-road using the fantastic mountain bike tracks that the Wanganui Mountain Bike Club have done an amazing job to develop, and which more and more people are using.

"Everyone of differing levels of ability will be able to compete and we are aiming at providing a really fun event for everyone."

The triathlon event in April was won by Palmerston North's New Zealand schoolboy triathlete representative Jake Jackson-Grammer, with Wanganui policeman Jason Page only 15 seconds behind.

Holmes said a thank you needed to go out to plantation company ErnslawOne and to Ngati Apa for giving their approval to use the forest and land.