Last Sunday saw the Eastern Bay Triathlon and Multisport Club host its first sprint triathlon of 2026.

The Ōhope Whakatāne Cycle Centre Ōhope Sprint Triathlon attracted participants from across the Bay of Plenty, all keen to enjoy what the Eastern Bay has to offer.

With the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships set to take place at Port Ōhope on February 17, the event provided a valuable opportunity for many younger entrants to test the course ahead of the main competition.

A total of 51 competitors lined up at the start – 31 in the sprint triathlon and 20 in the super sprint –making for a hotly contested event.

A sprint triathlon differs from a traditional triathlon in distance, consisting of a 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike, and 5km run.

The super sprint, designed to appeal to younger participants, features a 400m swim, 12km bike, and 3km run. By comparison, a standard (Olympic distance) triathlon includes a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run.

Taking the top male spot in the sprint triathlon was Oliver Christie, while Magdalene Mayer was the top female.

The super sprint titles were claimed by Harper Thompson and Marina Fowell.

Club president Kirsten Edmondson expressed gratitude for the continued support of local members and businesses in making events like this possible.

“Our hat goes off to the Whakatāne Cycle Centre, who have supported us with this event for many years.

“With their support and that of our members, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback about our ‘grassroots’ event.

“The Port Ōhope Reserve is the perfect spot to host triathlon events, and we are privileged to share it with other triathlon clubs,” said Edmondson.

Results:

Super sprint youth male: 1, Harper Thompson; 2, Noah Miyamure-Brown; 3, Hari Swallow.

Super sprint youth female: 1, Sofia Chapman; 2, Madeleine McKnight; 3, Kaydence Martin.

Super sprint open male: 1, Will Doney; 2, Jasper Heijtel; 3, Graham Roberts.

Super sprint open female: 1, Marina Fowell; 2, Julia Eddington; 3, Maggie Dalziel.

Sprint youth male: 1, Oliver Christie; 2, Xavier Christie; 3, Logan Pinkerton.

Sprint youth female: 1, Magdalene Mayer; 2, Zoe Christie.

Sprint open male: 1, Blake Miller; 2, Nick Wotton; 3, Luke Williams.

Sprint open female: 1, Sarah Gorman; 2, Eva McGoldrick; 3, Brenda Wotton.