The steady rainfall over the past few weeks tried to drown out the inaugural Stride Ride & Slide mini triathlon held last Sunday at the Wānaka Recreation Centre but there was no way the weather was going to deter any of the young competitors, their parents or grandparents. 

With over 100 pre-registrations and at least 30 on the day, the excitement levels from Wānaka's two-six old's were high. The crowd was swelled by proud parents, older brothers and sisters as well as grandparents all cheering the little ones on. 

As if the weather didn't supply enough water, the local fire brigade were on hand to make sure the water slide was slippery enough for all to use. Despite the weather, everyone had a great time, giving children the opportunity to run, ride, and slide their way through a short multi-stage course as their first introduction to triathlon. 

They ran 50m, rode or trikked 150m, and then finished by zooming across a waterslide, powered by the local Wānaka fire service, to the finish line, with lots of ‘high-fives' and the applause of their ‘support crew'.