Emma Alexander taking a water break. Photo / Paul Taylor
Emma Alexander taking a water break. Photo / Paul Taylor
MCL Triple Peaks managed to go ahead just hours before the alert level 2 announcement – which prohibits events of more than 100 people.
A total of 710 competitors took to the hills of Havelock North, covering 55km in Saturday's sunshine.
Triple Peaks director Emma Buttle said they were extremelyfortunate to have held the event when they did.
"We got our event in by the skin of our teeth," she said. "If it had been just 24 hours later, we would have had to cancel."
Reuben Kane was one of 710 competitors who walk, ran and mountain biked over the three peaks in the Triple Peaks Challenge in Havelock North on Saturday. Photo / Paul Taylor
Buttle said they were also fortunate with the good weather, however she said it got very hot towards the middle of the day and some competitors "really felt the heat".
The "Fastest Runner" trophy went to Nick Johnstone who did the full course in five hours and eight minutes.
The quickest female solo runner was Brona Turley, who completed the challenge in six hours and 56 minutes.
The Schools Teams trophy went to Lindisfarne College.
Buttle said Phil Murphy was very strong, taking first place as the fastest solo male mountain biker in just three hours and seven minutes, and Gabrielle Buchanan took the win for the fastest female mountain biker in three hours and 45 minutes.
All winners took home $1000 each in prize money.
The event director said there were no major incidents on the course.
Graham Morris pushing his mountain big uphill. Photo / Paul Taylor
"A few mountain bikers did come off, resulting in a couple of injuries. Our medic team were swift to assist on the scene," she said.
Buttle said the race was a great fundraiser for Te Mata Park.
"We haven't quite finalised the numbers, but we should be able to donate at least 1500 native trees to Te Mata Park – around $15,000," she said.
Tahlia Hopkins and Phoebe Butler-Munro competing in the Triple Peaks challenge. Photo / Paul Taylor
Matt Buckeridge running on in the heat. Photo / Paul Taylor
Nick Johnstone was the fasted solo runner, completing all three peaks in five hours and eight minutes. Photo / Paul Taylor
