New scenery at triathlon

The new scenery for the weekend’s triathlon was a welcome change for the 25 athletes who took part in the race held from Avarua harbour.

Even the heavy rain stayed away for the afternoon event and a runaway marker buoy on the swim course just made things more interesting for the swimmers.

Nine athletes took on the longer course option of the day which comprised a 400m swim in the harbour, 16km bike race out to Ngatangiia and back and a 4km run – two loops around the Avarua township and the Punanga Nui Market.

Remaining athletes completed their own race course of various swim, run, and bike distances.

Roland Neururer was the man to catch as he flew through the course to win in 47 minutes closely followed by Terry Meyer, Geoff Stoddart and Jennie George.

Athletes of note were Serena Hunter who took on the triathlon course after a paddle and young Elliot Weir who ran with mum Jo even though he had a painful stitch – he kept going and crossed the line with a little help from mum.

It was a great change for triathletes with the Avarua course exposing the sport to people that normally wouldn’t see the weekly race out at Tikioki.