Over 800 students from Otumoetai Intermediate School took part in the annual triathlon this morning, reaching the finish line just ahead of the first downpour.

Principal Henk Popping was delighted with the event, which saw almost every student take part in either the competitive race or the participatory event.

Rain was no barrier to Otumoetai Intermediate students enjoying today's triathlon.

'It was hugely successful. There was a high level of enthusiasm with everyone having fun and there were some pretty good times in the competitive races.”

Henk says the focus of the annual event was on participation and as a preparation for the upcoming Splash, Paddle and Dash event at Pilot Bay on March 2.

'The big focus is on participation, but it is always good to see the students compete strongly.”

The triathlon comprised a 1km run, swimming two lengths of the 25m Otumoetai Pool then cycling two laps of the school field.

The top finishers in the competitive race were:

Year 8 Boys: Connor Knox (1^st), Rowan Martin and Justus Duncanson.

Year 8 Girls: Kate Lawrence, Katrina Gadsbey and Millie Schuler.

Year 7 Boys: Zedek Macklow, Ben Pomare and Jamie Shields.

Year 7 Girls: Georgia Clement, Arleah Tippins and Ruby Evans.