Sixty-five children from nine Bay of Plenty schools have so far registered for this year’s “have a go try-athlon” at the Ōmokoroa Domain.

Hosted by Pahoia School, the event will take place on March 21 at 9am. It is open to children aged 5 to 13.

Pahoia School deputy principal Helen Maxey said the event was targeted at children who have “never even tried or experienced any kind of multisport before”.

“It might foster a love for them of choosing an event. It is accessible to anybody from trainer wheels to someone who’s been cycling for five years ... It really is about ‘have a go’.”

Maxey said the swim was a “splash through the water”.

“Children kind of run through the water or swim, whichever they prefer.”

They then head out for the cycling leg.

“For the little kids, it’s on the waterfront there at Ōmokoroa. The older kids, they go up the hill in Ōmokoroa and then they come back into transition and do their run.”

Distances varied per age group, with the older children starting first, she said.

Maxey said last year’s event had children from more than 30 schools.

Horticulture business Apata, which has packhouse/coolstore facilities in Te Puke, Katikati and Paengaroa, was the try-athalon’s major sponsor.

“Last year’s event was amazing. Really good turnout - we ended up with good weather ... the Apata guys are brilliant.

“They came along, gave out medals. It was just a really nice family feel and everyone gets encouraged.

“The thing we love about it the most is that the older students – because they’ve finished – they can then support and run alongside the little kids ... ”

Maxey said entry cost $30 per child. Every participant would receive a try-athlon T-shirt, participation medal, competitor wristband, and go in the draw to win a mountain bike.

The event was a fundraiser for Pahoia School, with staff and parents running it.

Maxey said the school fundraises “for things like our junior adventure playground”.

She said food and drinks would also be available, and raffle tickets for some “amazing prizes”, including Snowplanet family passes.

People can register on the school’s website or event Facebook page.

Early bird registrations close on March 18, and late registrations on the day will cost $40.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.