Southland children splashed, rode, ran and - most importantly - had a lot of fun when they took part in a triathlon this weekend.
About 275 children from across the region were part of the 22nd edition of the Total Life Kids Tryathlon yesterday at Splash Palace and Rugby Park in Invercargill.
The event included a pool swim or "dash", followed by a multi-lap, off-road bike or scoot and a "zigzag'’ run course through Rugby Park Stadium.
Southland Triathlon & Multisport Club event co-ordinator Liz Gill said each year, hundreds of children of all levels took part in the event, which encouraged participation, achievement and, above all, fun.
"This event is amazing because we have something for every kid, from all ages, abilities and levels."
This year police officers were present with a radar to track how fast the children were going, she said.
"It is really about having those kids having a go."
Total Life marketing manager Justine Hogan agreed.
"It is a really community event and the real aim of this one is about participation. It has kids from 6 to 14 [years old] and each age group has its own circuit.
"There is no real winner - it is all about getting out there and having fun."
Haylee Judd took her children Pippa (8) and Josie (5) to join the triathlon for the first time.
The girls were a bit nervous, but it was a great experience for them to be out there, she said.
"I guess the most important thing is it gives confidence for them and a sense of achievement. They were nervous before, but now I can only see smiles on their faces."
