Run, cycle, swim - jr triathlon in Waikanae

CLOSE FINISH: Heath Jordan, 12, from Kapanui School, front, narrowly beat Perry Sutherland, 12, back, from Kenakena School.

The popular Kapiti Primary Schools Inter School Triathlon was held in Waikanae on Wednesday.

"There were 300 year 7 and 8 children taking part with two thirds of these being in teams," event co-ordinator Peter Ellis said.

"All schools from Otaki to Paekakariki took part except Paraparaumu Beach and Kapiti.

"The race consisted of a run of about 1300 metres in Waikanae Park, 5km cycle along Ngarara Rd and 150 metre swim in the Waikanae swimming pool."

Mr Ellis praised the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway team working in the area.

"Holding the event was in doubt due to their work crossing the cycle leg along Ngarara road and we were preparing to call the event off this year.

"However Darren Utting and his team kindly decided to take a break for a couple of hours to allow the event to go ahead."