Inaugural event entries exceed expectations

Organisers are rating the inaugural Tri Pounawea at the weekend "an amazing success".

The Tri Pounawea incorporated a triathlon and duathlon section, attracting a field of 155.

The triathlon included a challenging 500m swim in the Pounawea Estuary, 24km lakeside ride and a 6km run. The duathlon had a 3.5km run, 24km lakeside ride and 6km run.

Event organiser Anne-Marie Holland said: "The organising committee was extremely happy with the results for the first year. Entries exceeded our expectations and the event organisation went to plan."

New Zealand triathlete Rob Creasy, of Christchurch, was first individual male in the triathlete section.

Samantha Thompson, of Christchurch, won individual female, with Team M&M, consisting of Karena Maze and Michael McLeod, winning the team triathlon section.

First individual male in the duathlon was Mickey Fan, of Dunedin, and individual female was won by Debi Hazelden, of Christchurch. The first duathlon team was the Pacemakers, consisting of Kate Thomas and Steven Fleet, both from Dunedin.

Tourism Catlins projects co-ordinator Kim Dodds said: "It is great to see new community events developing in the Catlins. I was impressed to see such a strong field of competitors from the Catlins. The event displayed an amazing amount of community support and spirit, which is extremely important to the success of any event."

Event results will be posted on www.catlins.org.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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