Tri fun in the sun

A gloriously hot day made for a fantastic Corporate Team Triathlon on Saturday with 29 teams taking part in the annual race.

Teams tackled a slightly choppy Tikioki lagoon for the 200m swim before battling the searing heat in the 8km cycle and 2km run leg.

Among the racers were a number of young athletes including five-year-old Matai Washbourne, 11-year-old Ruby Vea and 13-year-old Charlie Wicks.

The front contenders had a good race with the lead changing back and forth due to fast running times and consistent bike times.

Seafari Ducks made up of Greg Gustafson, Jennie George and Steve Whitta were just too good and took out this year’s event in 1.22.57.

In fact, the first five teams across the line completed the race in the ‘individual’ format which saw one team member complete just one discipline three times.

2009 team triathlon winners and family team Kokonati Kafe of dad Kevin, mum Mona Henderson and son Adam won second place a minute and fifty seconds behind the Seafari Ducks.

Team Air New Zealand was thrilled to take out third place.

In the battle of the banks – ANZ won the category closely followed by Westpac Bank who both entered four teams each.

The Southpac Trust Babes took out third.

In the ‘all disciplines’ category, which saw each athlete tackle the entire course before tagging their next team mate, team Telecom were the victors and placed 6th overall.

The first all woman team was Puaikura Reef Lodges which included 11-year-old Ruby Vea.

Team Muri Beach Resort was the first tourist accommodators across the line with Edgewater Resort Turtles taking out second and third place. Tereora College took out the top two spots in the government department category with health department’s the Phyzzies placing third.

Summerfield Systems Ltd came first in the local business category followed by Caf Salsa and The Computer Man.

Prize-giving followed the race with plenty of sponsor prizes and fun tales!

The Cook Islands Triathlon Association would like to thank their sponsors Island Car & Bike Hire, Westpac Bank, KPMG Accountants, ANZ Bank, The Computer Man, CITC Liquor, Caf Salsa and Alberto’s Restaurant for supporting this year’s race.

Team Triathlon 2010 results –