Hardy tested in triathlon

Press, 23 January 1984, Page 6

Hardy tested in triathlon

Ninety-two people swam, pedalled and ran their way through Christchurch’s first triathlon yesterday. Christchurch City Council organisers said the triathlon, part of the council’s “Summer Times” recreation programme, was so successful that they hope to see it become an annual event.

A few dipped out after the first section, a chilly 800 m swim in the Christchurch Estuary, but the triathlon co-ordinator, Ms Mary Williams, said the number and spirit of those who took part was “excellent.”

Ninety-nine entrants, aged 15 to 52 years, braved overcast weather to dive into the estuary high tide near Redcliffs at 8 a.m. Then came a 17km bicycle ride from Redcliffs Park to the South Hagley Park netball courts.

Bicycles were discarded in the care of competitors’ seconds for a 6.5 km run to the finishing line and a large welcoming crowd at the “Summer Times” stage

in North Hagley Park. First home was Nigel Ward, aged 18, in one hour 2.5 minutes to take the overall and junior men’s title. Virginia Lebas, aged 21, was the first woman across the line just over seven minutes later.

Ms Williams said organisers were already planning to hold a similar event within the next year.

“We would like to see it staying at the same degree of difficulty so that it is challenging enough for the very trained athlete and someone not excelling at any one sport,” she said. All those who finished the triathlon would get certificates with their times recorded.

Sports goods vouchers were presented to the winners of each section. Other winners were: Junior women (under 19), Bronwyn Moth; men (19 to 40 years), Neil Crampton; veteran men (over 40), Dave Bradley; veteran women, Diane Stead.