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Hub Triathlon - Turnout good for kids’ race
By David Bruce
The first rain for weeks did not deter the youngsters who took part in the Hub children’s triathlon in Hawera on Sunday. And a good turnout of parents and spectators broke out dusty umbrellas to line the poolside, transition and finish action zones to urge on the district’s aspiring Bevan Dochertys and Debbie Tanners.
With a swim cut from its original 200 metres to 100 metres to encourage participation, a 4.1km bike ride and a final run of 1.5km ahead of then, a field of 113 faced the starter’s gun —as individual competitors in two age categories or as members of teams.
Spray doused the riders as they set out on the cycle leg across the unusually soggy surface of Hicks Park, and returning runners slipped and slithered down the new roadway leading to the Hub’s new netball courts as the dust and clay turned to mud.
The umbrellas were still up as the runners crossed the finish line, then gathered in the aquatic centre for Mayor Ross Dunlop to officiate at the drawing of spot prizes, with a public address system that suddenly turned unco-operative. The prizegiving proved a bonus to junior competitor Joanna Jackson and senior Tegan Sharp.
Both won new bicycles provided by sponsor Mike Seaver from Seaver Cycles. Triathlon co-ordinator Phil Waite says the event was a resounding success with entry numbers up on last year.
"There were only four that didn’t show up, which I suppose was because of the weather. But there were eight others who registered on the day and all those that took part seem to have had a good time and gone out and had a go —which is what this is really all about.’’
TOP: Umbrellas shelter supporting mums and dads as young triathletes leave the first transition zone.
MIDDLE: Brayton Northcott-Hill from the Kakaramea Kruisers led the field past the Hub sign on the last leg of the Hub Triathlon.
RIGHT: Joanna Jackson and Tegan Sharp with the bicycles they won.
Kate takes on triathlon
Triathlete Kate Harpur (11), puts in the effort as she starts her 4.1km ride through the rain at last weekend’s Hub triathlon. Part of a team of three, Kate rode her special tricycle for the cycle leg of the event, taking over from her sister Libby (9) who swam the 100m pool section and giving a good start for her friend Joanna Jackson who tackled the 1.5km run.
Her mum says Kate had a great time and rode a very good race despite the conditions which were less than ideal for her trike. ‘‘And I am really impressed with Mike Seaver who was out there on the road riding with them to make sure everyone was OK.’’
She says Mike also services Kate’s special tricycle which has been a big help for her, providing both physiotherapy and, as the triathlon proved, the opportunity to participate with her friends in a healthy sport.
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