Posted: March 14, 2005

Triathlon: Women athletes head to the Wakatipu for triathlon

Over 300 women gathered at Lake Hayes showground yesterday for the 12th annual Fresh Choice Southern Lakes Women's triathlon.

The perfect weather conditions complimented a cheerful race field of 150 individuals and 57 teams, growing the number of entries from last year. Women travelled from Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Alexandra and Wanaka regions to take part.

Race Director, Geoff Hunt, was delighted with the interest received for this year's race. "More women are keen to get out and have a go at a triathlon and enjoy the all female race environment. There is a great atmosphere out in the field, the event encourages participation of women at all levels of fitness."

This year the field of athletes were split for the swim section to reduce the overcrowding in the water. The 300 metre swim section was completed in a record time of 3 minutes and 20 seconds, setting a fast pace for the race.

First time triathlete Claire Baxter from Wanaka won the Individual Open category in a time of 50 mins 34 secs. She had a great race and looked on good form as she crossed the finish line. Biggi Weischedel from Dunedin came second in a time of 52 mins 12 secs. Third place went to Paula Shortall from Lake Hawea in a time of 53 mins 32 secs.

In the popular Veteran Individual category, first to cross the line was Sandra Watts from Cromwell, in a good time of 51 mins 23 secs. Julia Morum finished in second position in 56 mins 42 secs. Queenstowner Natalie Dilley was a close third in a time of 58 mins 30 secs.

The Open Team category was won by a group of women from Queenstown, The Birthday Girls crossed the line in a time of 54 mins 44 secs. The Paula, Mel and Rebecca team also from Queenstown were second in 55 mins 08 secs and Team Misfits from Wyndham were close behind to take third in 55 mins 31 secs.

The hotly contested Business House trophy was won by the athletic Back on Track team of Claire Magee, Hannah McElroy and Rebecca Whyte in a time of 53 mins 15 secs. The Arrowtown Montessori team consisting of Harriet Brinsley, Annabel Burdon and Maria Bradley came second in a time of 57 mins 15 secs and the Progressive Consulting team from Invercargill, Abbey James, Sarah James, and Janet Copeland picked up third Business House team in a time of 58 mins 46 secs.

First over the line in the Veteran team section was Team Good Value from Arrowtown. Ange Van der Laan, Caroline Hutchinson and Sally Feinermann completed the race in a time of 53 mins 44 secs. Second went to The Funky Mammas, Kristin Gurhorie, Anne Cournane and Karen Anderson finishing in a time of 59 mins 38 secs and third went to the Southern Belles in a time of 59 hour 38 secs.

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