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The first of the athletes involved in the Port of Tauranga Half have emerged from the water at Pilot Bay.

Matt Franklin was the first out of the water for the men's elite group in the 2km swim.

Matt Franklin emerging from the water. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Graham O'Grady emerged from the water second, closely followed by Mark Bowstead.

The swim is the first of three courses competitors will take part in today.

Once they have completed the swim, athletes will jump on their bikes for a 90km ride and round the competition out with a 21km run to the finish line.

Graham O'Grady was second out of the water.

The Port of Tauranga Half is described as the pinnacle event of the Mount Multisport of Festival.

The festival will also see the Mauao hoe tahi race at 9.30am, the volleyball beach championships at 9am and the Jetts dash for Cash at 3.30pm.

The event will be finished off with the Night Owl Cinema, which will be screening Cool Runnings at Mt Drury at 6pm.

Mark Bowstead emerged from the water third.