Sport Otago are very excited to announce that they will be holding Wānaka’s first Stride, Ride & Slide for eager young athletes from ages two to six years of age this Sunday, December 15. Participants will run 50m, ride or trike 150m, and then finish by zooming across a waterslide, powered by the local Wānaka fire service, to the finish line, with lots of high-fives from their ‘support crews’. The triathlon style competition aims to inspire the youth who participate to have fun while exercising. 

Kelvin ‘Tiny’ Carruthers, community sport advisor for Sport Central, said that, “It will be nice to see children from the many different preschools and primary schools coming together in a fun, family atmosphere.”

Carruthers explained, “Sport Otago has held these events for a couple of years in other parts of Otago but this is the first time in Wānaka… If you pre-register, you go in the draw for spot prizes. It’s based on a triathlon but for wee people. Should suit Wānaka down to the ground with it’s ‘tri’ mentality.”

A new addition to the event this year is a best dressed bike competition where children can decorate their bikes before they arrive or on the day for a gold coin donation.  Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic and make a day of it. Pre-registration race packs can be picked up outside Wānaka Recreation Centre from 2-4pm on Friday December 13.