PTI's and friends enjoy Tongariro triathlon

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 680, 1 April 1997, Page 12

PTI's and friends enjoy Tongariro triathlon

Physical training instructors from the Eru Brown Gymnasium at Waiouru combined with Waiouru residents and friends to make up three teams to enter the tenth annual Tongariro Mountain Classic multisports event recently. Sponsored by Fairydown, the event involves a fi ve stage circuit which covers the awesome terrain of the volcanic plateau. With 100 entries, competition in both the teams and individual sections was keen and times ranged from 5 & 1/2 hours to over 1 1 hours. Due to unfavourable weather conditions the course was altered slightly, increasing both cycle stages to the anguish of participants in these legs. A 50km cycle from Turangi to the Grand Chateau in bleak conditions did not deter Nicholas Mannix of "Simply The Best" and he maintained a steady lead over fellow Waiouru teams. However, hypoglycaemia set in and he needed all of his rest period to restore his peak condition prior to tackling stage three. The 16km run through "the ditch," as the mud track from the Chateau to Mangatepopo Road is known locally, saw Steve Hall of Team 2 and Rob Gathergood of the "Hairy Bums" team overtake W endy Macdonald. However, the second cycle of 30km followed by a 2 & 1/2 km run resulted in "Simply the Best" closing the gap between the teams. Kayaking the Tongariro River from the Blue Pool, across Lake Taupo and up the Tokaanu Tailrace proved eventful for some competitors! Margie Denehy of "Simply the Best" offered herself as fish-food while Tom Heazlewood' s ("Hairy Bums") struggle with his kayak left him so pumped he could compete in an Arnold Schwarzeneger look-a-like contest. The final 4km run sounded relatively easy but wasn't. For Steve Hall, Rob Gathergood and Nicholas Mannix this stage came as hard as the last four but they managed to come in with good times ranging from 7 & 1/2 hours to 8 hours for the three teams. The teams spoke highly of the professional organisation and support provided by the co-ordinators of the race, particularly Greg Carlyon. Thanks also went to support crew and friends Theo, Jo and his

family, Ali, Sue, Korinne, Kirsten and also to Maggie's friends from Palmerston North. While the classic is organised as a race, participants were very impressed by the friendly and helpful attitudes shown by everyone involved. Assistance from "The Mounties" support crew was really appreciated by Nicholas Mannix who took a much-needed rest while they repaired his puncture. Spot prizes rewarded and encouraged such examples of good sportsmanship. Race packages included t-shirts, drinks, food items and tickets for the hot pools and post-race feast. Donated by local retailers and Fairydown, the spot prizes were impressive and varied from cycle vouchers to polypropylene clothing, all of which were much appreciated by the recipients. These teams would like to issue a challenge for the next triathlon which is the Fifth Annual Track and Gorge Triathlon at Palmerston North on 20 April. All enquiries should be directed to the physical training instructors at Eru Brown Gymnasium (Tel: 38761 1 1 Ext 7912) before the closing date of 9 April.