Record numbers run, bike, swim

The 1276-strong field enjoyed a calm and sunny morning as they ran, biked and swam their way around Memorial Park in Mosgiel yesterday.

Dunedin Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon entrants show off their dance moves at the prizegiving at Memorial Park, Mosgiel, yesterday. Photos: Linda Robertson.

Finn Gilder (9) cools off after the race.

Sanitarium commercial manager Steve Andrews said the  field was bigger than any previous one by about 30. As the prizegiving got under way just before noon, the final participants were given a raucous cheer as they crossed the finish line at 11.51am.

The children, aged between 7 and 15, danced the early afternoon away as they celebrated their efforts and rubbed shoulders with their heroes.

Gold medallist Paralympian Anna Grimaldi, Black Sticks hockey player Anita Punt and All Blacks Elliot Dixon and Liam Coltman perked up the tired children as they crossed the finish line.

Punt said the enthusiasm and commitment of the entrants was summed up best by one boy who completed the race in his underwear.

It was the 25th anniversary of the event and about 30,000 children  throughout the country   were expected to take part.