Click the image above to view slideshow

The Marra Sprint Triathlon, held today at Mount Manganui's Pilot Bay, increases in popularity each year.

This year 350 athletes of all ages, including three over the age of 70, appeared at the starting line and there was a surge in entries from 11-16 years olds.

The Marra Sprint Triathlon continues to grow in popularity with 350 athletes competing in the annual race this year. Photos: Cameron Avery

Eigteen-year-old Coast-to-Coast winner Hayden Wilde won the men's individual race while Elise Salt won the women's race comfortably, finishing 30 secs before her competitors. Thomas Richardson and Seana Gray won the Minis race and Hannah Howell and Lachlan Haycock took out the Monsters category.

Race organisers Triathlon Tauranga are pleased with the increase in entries. 'We had 30 more than last year, many in the Monster category for 12-16-year-olds,” says Tri Club Committee president Paul Miller.

'We are trying to encourage kids to do triathlon and are happy with this rise in numbers,” he says, though he'd like to see more 6-11-year-olds participate.

The adult race had 220 individual entrants, there were 15 team entries and 40 kids took part in the separate race for Monsters (12-16) and 50 in the Minis (6-11) race. The youth races began at last year's tri event and their success prompted organisers to put on something special for the youth this year.

The adult event consists of a 750m swim (along the shore), a 20km cycle (flat 2 lap course) and a 5km run around the beautiful Mauao Base Track. For the youth the race is adapted, with dedicated transition areas for the youngsters.

MINIS RESULTS:

1 Seana Gray, 2 Katie McLeod, 3 Lily Pearce (girls)

1 Thomas Richardson, 2 Josh Fletcher, 3 Cody Griffiths (boys)

ONSTERS RESULTS:

1 Hannah Howell, 2 Sacha McLeod, 3 Emily Kneale (girls)

1 Lachlan Haycock, 2 Jade Stafford, 3 Nicholas Wotton (boys)

INDIVIDUALS RESULTS:

1 Elise Salt, 2 Sarah Backler, 3 Kaylee Mudgway (females)

1 Hayden Wilde, 2 Peter Campbell, 3 Ryan Young (males)

TEAM RESULTS:

1 Team Panthers B, 2 Team MPV, 3 Team The Kiwi and The Pom (males)

1 Team R.O.A.D's, 2 Team Sisters, 3 Team Pap Princesses (females)

1 Team Ducky Fuzz, 2 Team The Tornados, 3 Team Share Lunacy (mixed)