Hi-fives, fist punches and back-slaps complemented calls of encouragement at Pandora Pond on Saturday.
Spectators and marshalls encircled the 2000 Quarter Iron Maori competitors with "ka pai" and "come on brother". Their soothing words calmed the nervous bodies jiggling about as they were about to embark on a 1km swim, 45km cycle and 10.5km run - many for the first time.
Iron Maori is quite special. All sorts of shapes and sizes line up at the start. Kaumatua compete alongside those young enough to be their mokopuna. Some glide through the water, others paddle. There are those on slick carbon bikes who seem to float up the hills and those who slowly grind it out on bikes that have been dusted off out of retirement.
The one thing they have in common is that they're smiling - well, on the downhill, at least. The event is about participation and the positive vibe is infectious. While individual numbers were down this year, the event is still winning as it continues to get whanau out there being active.
It was also great to see so many people lace up their sneakers for yesterday's Mitre 10 Mega Walk. As well as the individual health benefits, it also helps Canteen support young people whose worlds have been turned upside down by cancer.
