Early rain and cool conditions didn't deter200 competitors in the inaugural Rise Up Team Challenge held at Ruapuna Speedway.
The Challenge, a new fun multisport event for Christchurch, was aimed at getting Cantabrians active again in light of the recent earthquakes that have traumatised the city's residents.
Opening proceedings was the Junior Jam which saw 8-13 year olds each complete a 1km run, a 6km bike ride around the Ruapuna speedway track and another 1km run in a relay format. Despite drizzle and wintery conditions the smiles on the faces of the kids as they crossed the finish line ensured the adults were ready for the events that followed.
Then Enduro started next with teams of three each completing a Duathlon of 2km run, 10km bike and 2km run. Taking line honours was 'The Ashburton Tri Club - Callum Brown, George McDonald & Gemma Kennedy' who put in a sprint over the last 100m to pull away from the youngsters 'The big test icicles – Rainer Pye, Cameron Avery & Rory Swanson' who were all just 13 years old.
Following on from the semi seriousness of The Enduro came The Socialiser where a team ofthree completed the course side by side and The Specialist where team members did just one leg of the challenge. Plenty of fancy dress costumes were well thought out including The Super Heroes, The Toothfaries and Chicken Run.
Race director John Newsom sees a big future for the event;
"I think today we really just scratched the surface in terms of the numbers this event could attract – I think this event could be huge in the years to come. It was just great seeing so many locals smiling out there even in very average conditions. We need fitness to get through what this city has suffered."
