Hayes (23), a Dunedin personal trainer, was quick to play down her victory in the 100-strong field, referring to the 4km run, 15km bike, 1500m swim event as "a training thing", after cycling out to the event from St Clair. She then planned to cycle back home.
She hit the triathlon circuit three-years ago, seeking a change of sporting direction from rowing, in which she represented New Zealand Universities in the lightweight quad, and won a New Zealand title in the open quad. She still maintains an interest in rowing, but mostly as a coach of Columba College crews rowing from the North End club.
Unable to compete in triathlons last season because of her injury, she plans to make the most of her return this season, with a view towards a top performance at the national championships in March.
She said a bloke-free triathlon served as an introduction to the sport three years ago and she hoped yesterday's event would set her up for a successful return.
The winning time for Hayes was 49min 11sec, with Marion Maxwell second in 52min 2sec and Aila Rollinson third in 52min 14sec.
Despite a number of competitors puncturing or drifting off the course on the cycle leg, there was still no dampening of their enthusiasm. But the enthusiasm of one competitor in particular, who mastered the event unscathed, Leanne Edwards, was truly inspirational.
Until mid-way through last year Edwards was a highly regarded road cyclist in Nelson, but on July 13 she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Almost 17 months later, following biopsy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and steroid treatments which added 30kg to her weight, she completed yesterday's triathlon in 1hr 17min 12sec.
Edwards played down any acknowledgement of serving as an inspiration.
"I'm inspired by everyone else," she said.
"I spotted this event coming up a week ago and thought I'd give it a go."
Grateful for the support she receives from the Olympic Gym in Mosgiel, another challenge she has tackled in recent times was to complete the 10km walk in the Hill Free Half Marathon at Outram in early October, with her mother Gwen Edwards who was on hand again yesterday, to cheer her daughter across the finish line.
