Rain did little to dampen the excitement of more than 300 competitors vying for top honours in the inaugural IronMāori half ironman event held on 5 December 2009 in Napier.

The event was organised by Te Timatanga Ararau Trust with the support of Te Puni Kōkiri to encourage Māori to get fit and lead healthy lifestyles. “The crowd really got behind all the competitors, which probably kept a lot of them going,” says event organiser Heather Skipworth.

Competitors started with a 2km swim, then a 90km cycle and finished with a 21.1km run, she says. Competition was tough, with Nick Vaughn winning the men’s title in a time of 4 hours 33 minutes and 09 seconds. Ali Hollington won the women’s field with a time of 5 hours 02 minutes and 41 seconds. An all-women trio took out the teams section with a time of 5 hours 12 minutes and 17 seconds.

Te Puni Kōkiri’s Jamie Te Hiwi completed the whole event and came sixth in the open men’s section with an overall placing of 17th. Other Te Puni Kōkiri staff who participated in the event were Stephanie Goldsmith, Henry Heke, Juliana Bennett, Robert Whaitiri and Te Aroha McDonnell.

The MC for the alcohol-free prize-giving ceremony that closed the event was former rugby league great Kevin Tamati, who also competed in the event. Former rugby star Matua Parkinson competed in some of the event and said he would be back next year to complete the full IronMāori.

It is hoped that the event will be held annually. For more information contact iron_maori@yahoo.com .