The annual IronMaori in Napier has once again been an overwhelming success.
With around double the entries since the last race, 600 odd competitors took to the scenic Napier course under stunning blue skies.
Individuals surged into the Pandora Pond water at 6:30am on Saturday to begin the 2km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run.
People of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds took part with large crowds of family and friends cheering them on from the shore and roadside.
Kevin Nicholson, representing the Ngati Kahungunu iwi, dominated the course and grabbed the spotlight for the day.
Nicholson built himself a huge seven minute lead on the bike and was equally as strong on the run – finishing in a time of 4 hours, 29 minutes and 30 seconds.
Throughout the race, I followed Taff Wikaira and his mates with the video camera and put together a movie.
Mentored by Henry Tohu, Taff, along with mates Pete Cullen, Ray Maddix, Mark Mayerhofler (former All Black) and Bernie Te Paa poured everything they had into the race.
