Genuinely chilly for virtual triathlon

It was more "Polar Plunge" than "Push Play", but competitors in a "virtual triathlon" in central Dunedin yesterday did not let cold weather slow them down.

Dunedin's Octagon was cordoned off as about 90 participants from 30 Otago businesses gathered in to compete in Sport Otago's "Push Play" triathlon between noon and 2pm.

Team members ran 1.5km, cycled 3km (on spin bikes) and rowed 1.5km on ergonometer machines.

Sport Otago operations manager Duane Donovan said event was reintroduced in 2007 after a hiatus of several years to encourage workers to be more active and participate in team events.

"It's a casual, fun day for co-workers, but of course some businesses and individuals take it seriously," Mr Donovan said.

CRT real estate agent Kevin Duggan, of Dunedin, joked he and team mates Steve Metzger and Craig Bates training regime had been "low-key", and included taking on plenty of fluids during Melbourne Cup celebrations at Wingatui racecourse on Tuesday.

Despite claims of being ill-prepared, Mr Metzger recorded a personal best time on the rowing machine and his team finished fourth overall.

This month's Push Play events included the Everest Challenge (during which business teams climbed stairs) and the "Big Hit Out" martial arts event.

The top three "virtual triathlon" teams yesterday were: Body Synergy Gym, 1st; Dunedin Casino, 2nd; World Fitness Gym, 3rd.