Almost 140 people opted to delay consuming chocolate eggs and hot cross buns yesterday until after they crossed the finish line of the 2017 Lake Hayes Easter Triathlon.
Overcast and cool conditions with some rain greeted the entrants of the annual event, which comprises 5km and 10km runs, a duathlon, a sprint triathlon and a "Du-It Challenge".
Included in the triathlon entrants was Dunedin’s Brett Tomkins who was stoked to have completed his second triathlon, despite some niggly hills proving challenging.
"But, it was good fun, it was a great event."
Also smiling after crossing the finish line was Matt Jackson, of Christchurch, who planned on spending the rest of his Good Friday recovering after completing his first triathlon.
Meanwhile Zarnia Morrison, also of Christchurch, was looking forward eating Easter treats without feeling guilty.
"I’ve just been up the Milford Track, so I thought I’d do this as well.
"Now I can go an eat as many hot cross buns and Easter eggs as I like."
The sprint triathlon was won by Lachie Baird, of Invercargill, who entered in the male 10-15 age group, and finished in 1hr 12min 57sec.
Second overall was Stephen Lowe, of Wanaka, in 1hr 15min 39sec, having entered in the male 19-39 category, and in third place was Julia Hunt, also of Wanaka, in 1hr 17min 50sec, having entered the female 19-39 category.
The 5km trail run was won by Arrowtown’s Chris Langston in 22min 43sec, while Allun Williams (Queenstown) won the 10km event in 35min 47sec.
Overall duathlon winner was Katie Jamieson, of Twizel, in 54min 6sec and the Du-It Challenge was won by Jamie Gorton, of Arrowtown, in 46min 39sec.
Georgia Prosser, of Fairlie, won the female under-15 category in 1hr 23min 21sec and Lana Deaker, of Cromwell, won the female 15-18 category in 1hr 26min 38sec.
