The first wave of year 3 competitors in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge sets off on the shores of Glendhu bay yesterday morning. PHOTOS: KERRIE WATERWORTH

Children take on challenge

Waiting in ‘‘waves’’ yesterday are year 3 competitors in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka at the start of their running and bike race in Rotary Park.

Enjoying a strawberry gelato after the race are Wanaka Primary School pupil Charlotte Howard (7) and her mother Sophie Dalziel, both of Wanaka.

Challenge Wanaka volunteer Becca Ostrovsky directs year 3 competitors along the course at Glendhu Bay yesterday morning.

ear 3 runners and cyclists compete for space on the slope in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka at Glendhu Bay yesterday morning.

Piper Muir, of Edendale, won first place in the year 3 grade of the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka.

A volunteer lends a hand at the Puzzling World Junior Challenge at Glendhu Bay yesterday. There were volunteers all along the course to help young competitors with everything from fixing a broken wheel to tying shoelaces or even wiping away tears.

Braden Currie (left) presents medals to the top three year 3 boys in the ...

Now which one is it? Robert Norman tries to find his son Jake’s bike, but admits he has no idea where his son dropped it or the race number on the bike.