Hundreds congregate in Havelock North for Triple Peaks race

Brian Doherty negotiates Te Mata Peak trails as part of the Triple Peaks on Saturday. Photo / Warren Buckland

Despite weather concerns, a record number of participants traversed Havelock North's hill terrain as part of the MCL Triple Peaks.

But high water levels in the Tukituki River meant they had to change to their back-up route, which saw competitors travel a shorter 46km, up and down Mt Erin twice and Te Mata Peak once.

Race directors Richard Mills and Emma Buttle were pleased with how it all went.

The duo, from Bennelong Mountain Bike Club which is based in Havelock North, completed the event for the first time at the helm, having taken over from former event director David Step.

"We had ideal weather, a really fun course for people, and a real buzz in the event village and we are just thrilled with how it went," Ms Buttle said.

"We're absolutely stoked and Hawke's Bay got well behind it and we are very grateful to the local community for the support."

Mr Mills, who was primarily in charge of the course said plan B was always planned, with it having been marked out on Wednesday, permission granted and logistics worked out.

"It was just a disappointment that we couldn't use a new route on Mt Kahuranaki that we were pretty excited about."

"No one was angry or disappointed that we didn't do course A, everyone understood and they were still very happy with the course that they got."

The race had 770 competitors, 70 volunteers and about 30 companies who sponsored the event, including naming rights sponsor MCL.

Ms Buttle said she believed they had raised about $10,000 for Te Mata Park, but were yet to find out the total.

Those who opted not to take part were greeted with live entertainment and real-time footage of the event in the "event village" in Havelock North.

Results
Solo Bike - Gary Hall 2:46:53
Solo Run - 2 Nick Johnston 3:53:21
Solo Walk - Michelle Oakley 6:25:32
Team Bike - Team Technology 2:57:21 4
Team Run - Been There Doug That 3:55:28
Team Walk - Walk the Talk 6:12:36
School Team Bike - Taradale High School 4:23:00
School Team Run - Lindisfarne Senior A 3:52:29