Safety first... Race director Jane Patterson briefs 2010 Sparc Real Women's Duathlon participants before the event begins.
Morning start... Alpine Health and Fitness trainer Shona Campbell warms up the duathletes.
Stretching themselves... Sparc Real Women's Duathlon participants get into gear during the warm-up.
Broad appeal... Women from around the South Island and a few from the North Island travelled to Millbrook for the fifth event in the series.
They're off... The first wave of 20 sets off on their run or walk, bike ride and run or walk around Millbrook.
Steady pace... Ellie Constantine, number 240, heads the pack.
Strong field... A total of 970 women took part in the 2010 Sparc Real Women's Duathlon, at Millbrook, on Sunday, about the same number as last year.
Shady lane... The picturesque surroundings of Millbrook were blessed with good weather for the event, race director Jane Patterson said.
Transition... Rosalyn Dickson (no 612), Barbara Walton (no 82) and fellow participants near the end of the first stage run, or walk, and head towards their bicycles.
Top gear... Duathletes begin their 10km bike ride.
Back to base... Barbara Young (486), of Cromwell, crosses the finishing line.
Capital effort... Dunedin girls Steph Bond (178) and Larna Jensen (179) celebrate at the finish, with Dunedin woman Jan Burton (140) not far behind.
Photo finish... Ginaya Hodgkinson (642), of Hari Hari, is hot on the heels of Pip Robertson (4) and Alice Robertson (3), both of Queenstown.
Proud day... Arrowtown resident Carole Shuttleworth, with Molly Shuttleworth (2) and Ellie Shuttleworth (4), was first over the finishing line and recorded the fastest time of 43.09mins.
Take a breather... Amie Mikelas (left) and Camilla Remneblad, both of Queenstown, celebrate finishing the course.
Mum's the word... Supporters and participants (from top left) Joel Engelke (11), Emily Rogers, of Frankton, Ruth Engelke, Abby Engelke (13), with Jubilee Engelke (8), Adam Engelke (6) and Archer Engelke (3), all of Lake Hayes Estate.
Otago Daily Times and Queenstown Times reporter Joanne Carroll jubilantly crosses the finishing line.
Almost 1000 ladies enjoyed the personal challenge, camaraderie and picturesque setting of Millbrook for the 2010 Sparc Real Women's Duathlon on Sunday, March 21. Otago Daily Times and Queenstown Times reporter James Beech took his camera along.
