Bike Run Tri Celebrates Southern Lakes Women

The Configure Express Bike Run Tri was held for the 23rd year on Saturday in Lake Hayes, and attracted both regular and recreational sportswomen, as first timers and experienced triathletes competed side by side.

The event was held in ideal conditions, with just enough breeze to keep the temperatures from soaring.
Race Director Geoff Hunt says there was the usual strong camaraderie amongst the competitors and a number of beginner level entrants keen to race in the all women environment. 

“The event is all about participating with friends and colleagues and celebrating women in a different way. We always find the all-women environment is enjoyed by all participants without feeling any intense competitive pressure.

It is an ideal event for all levels of ability,  from women who are entering their first event to prospective triathletes who go on to compete in other more competitive events.” says Hunt. “The teams category is also a great opportunity for friends or work colleagues to compete together in a relaxed environment.”

The triathlon course included a 300m swim in Lake Hayes followed by a 15km bike ride on the Lake Hayes/Arrowtown road into Speargrass Flat road and then followed by a 5km walk on the Lake Hayes track to finish line at the Lake Hayes pavilion. 

The duathlon began with a 1.5km run on Lake Hayes track, followed the triathlon’s 15km biking leg and concluded with a 5km run to the finish line. 

A small but strong field competed in both triathlon and duathlon divisions with the fastest time of the day for the Triathlon going to Kim Waddell (Qtn) in a time of 52 mins and 30 secs.

Michelle Cobby (Dunedin) chased hard all day to by just 21secs  to be second fastest in the triathlon in the time of 52 mins and 51secs, with third fastest time going to Tamsin Browne (Queenstown) in a time of 53mins and 41secs..

The fastest Duathlete was Michelle Watt in a time of 55mins and 15 secs with Megan Vintiner (Dunedin) second in a time of 1hr 15mins

The biggest field was in the veteran triathlon division with 15 women vying for the title. the fastest veteran (+35yrs) on the day was Mary Russell  (wanaka ) in a time of 1hr and 34secs. with Beth Davidson (Qtn)  second fastest time of the day, in 1hr 1min and 5secs and third Anna Browne (Qtn)  in1hr 3mins and 50secs

The event has always been about participation and the teams division allows competes to tackle just one discipline and the be able to encourage their teams in the other disciplines. Teams competed in open veteran and  business house across both triathlon nd duathlon events. It was the Real Journeys team won that won coveted Team Business triathlon.

Hunt paid tribute to the support of the Womens only Gym, Configure Express for supporting the event celebrating 'women in sport' in the Southern Lakes.