Training pays off during local athletes’ first triathlon

In December a group of Komatipoorters decided to take on the challenge of completing their first triathlon. The group comprised regular runners and cyclists, and the biggest challenge for most was to prepare for the swimming section.

After months of hard work they took part in the Off-road Sprint Distance Triathlon at Longmere Dam outside White River.

Kerry-Anne Clark, Neliza van Niekerk, Maryna Cronje, Paul Nel and Avril Pretorius lined up at the water’s edge to start the solo sprint distance. Sophia Clark and Chayla Pretorius took part in the light event – a 100-metre swim, five-kilometre cycle and 2,5-kilometre run. Tayla-Anne Clark, Neels van Niekerk and Colin Pretorius completed the sprint distance as a team.

The triathlon comprised a 750-metre open-water swim followed by a 15-kilometre mountain-bike ride and ended with a five-kilometre run.

The weather was kind to the Komatipoorters, but the course itself proved rather tough with some steep hills in both the cycle and run. The cycle part of the race was a cross-country route with three five-kilometre laps and the run comprised two laps of 2,5 kilometres.

Everyone in the group successfully completed the race and Pretorius was crowned the overall female winner of the sprint distance triathlon.

Results:

Adults:

• 10th overall: Avril Pretorius with a time of 2:12,43 (overall female winner)

• 18th: Kerry-Ann Clark with 2:27, 51

• 20th: Neliza van Niekerk with 2:31,48

• 24th: Paul Nel with 2:41,53

Children:

• 10th: Chayla Pretorius with 1:21, 52

• 11th: Sophia Clark with 1:21, 54

Team:

Sixth: Team Open (Tayla-Ann Clark, Neels van Niekerk and Colin Pretorius) with 2:13,56.