Trionman tests from first to last

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 575, 28 February 1995, Page 16

Trionman tests from first to last

The following article is contributed. Question: What would make normal, rational people push themselves to their limit of physical and mental endurance? Answer: The 1995 Trionman Triathlon held by Ruapehu Health and Fitness in conjunction with Ohakune Nightlife Security. To call this event a race is to liken the QE1 1 to a dinghy. In no way does it do the event any justice. Competitors this year ranged from teenagers to over

66 years, plus Amco Mareikura (aged seven) who once again showed just what she's made of by biking from Raetihi to Pipiriki. The Trionman is a local event that is not really promoted to possible competitors outside the Waimarino area. This is so no "real" triathletes take part, so that anyone can have a go without being afraid of not achieving. Instead of a race where everyone is out for themselves and to help anyone would be a dis-

advantage, the result is an event that has a family atmosphere. This in no way lessens competition but everyone is made to feel welcome and everyone is encouraged to do well. There are not many events that can push a person to test their limits but still remain firmly family orientated. A notable aspect of the Trionman is the wonderful support crews. In an endurance event the best friend a competitor can have is their support crew . They have to be there to provide anything and every-

thing, from repairs on equipment such as bikes, kayaks and even running shoes. They have to be in the right place at the right time to feed the racers, make sure they have plenty to drink, to tell racers how their nearest competitor is going so they can work accordingly, to provide emotional support, moral support and most of all, to provide a kick in the butt when a racer thinks about giving up. The manner in which the Trionman is run means the support crews not only look after their person but every other competitor. This year's competitors ranged from former rugby stars to housewives, karate championstocollegestudents, 18men and six women. The course starts in Raetihi with a 27km bike to Pipiriki, then 21.5km kayak to Matahiwi. This is followed by a 8.5km run up the Matahiwi track followed by a 30km bike ride out to the Parapara and up into Raetihi. It is the little incidents that make it memorable. This year was no different in that respect. Gavin Johnson, the overall men's winner, attempted to straighten the road down to Pipiriki but instead of flying around the corners found himself flying over the handlebars of his bike. The same was to be said of many in the last bike ride down the Matahiwi track onto the Parapara Road. Special mention must go to the best falls on this leg with Aroha Clarkin just pipping Trudy Martin for removing the most earth in a tumble. Hubba Mareikura proved his difference attempting to find the fastest line going straight over the bank, and there was the usual bad luck stories with

Keryn Martin, the overall women's winner, having a front tyre blow out. This year livestock on the road played an important role with cattle on the Pipiriki Road enabling most of the field to pass Charles Mareikura when he had to hit the brakes unexpectedly, another competitor had hard luck to burst around a corner to find a lone sheep in his way on the final leg. The prize for the most determination must be shared between Joanne Cunningham, Bruce Francis the overall second place getters, and Dean Cunningham, in the running section. All three showed the rest of the field a clean set of heels despite the heat. This year the kayak section showed a slightly better standard than in the past. But even the best training will be to little avail when you take an unexpected dunking, as was the case with both Shane Harvey and Rex Mareikura. However Rex was later heard to say he was a little hot anyway, and the best way to cool down was to fall out. The race ended with 24 win-

ners. Every person who started the Trionman won a battle just to get to the line and each time they finished a leg in the course they won. Credit must go to the people who finished in the middle of the field and at the end. Just because they didn't win doesn't mean the course was easier for them: in fact quitethe opposite is true, and so in this vein credits go to the likes of Eli Hamlin, Toni Hunter, Steve Condon, Steve McDougal, Jim Selwood, Brett Martin and Ross Martin. Without anyone to come sec- • ond, no one comes first. Results: Mens: Gavin Johnson 5. 14.21 ; Bruce France

5.21 .38; Reg Wallace 5.36.02; Charles Mareikura 5.38.41; Steve McDougal 5.46.51; Jim Selwood 5.52. 17; Brett Martin 6.00.36; Steve Gordon 6. 1 0. 1 3; Dean Cunningham 6.26.24; Shane Harvey 6.29.18: Rex Mareikura 6.31.48: Ross Martin 6.55.23: Shane Brooking 6.58. 1 6: Vem Winitana D.N.F. : Colin May D.N.F. Womens: Keryn Martin 5.49.22; Joanne Cunningham 5.49.37; Trudy Martin 6.27.59; Aroha Clarkin 6.49.50; Eli Hamlin 6.49.50; Toni Hunter 7.21.55; Amco Mareikura (Pipiriki leg) 1.21.38; Team: Sharleszane Mareikura, Richie Akapita 6.55.11.