Athletes honour late coach
MORE than 100 competitors took part in the ninth annual Ken Milne Classic triathlon and duathlon at Balclutha at the weekend.
The triathlon, held on Saturday, was named for former Clutha rugby coach Ken Milne.
His preseason training for the premier rugby team in Balclutha used to involve swimming in the Clutha River, cycling and running.
Event organiser Marty Hurring said it was Mr Milne’s wish to have the classic rugby training turned into a bigger event for Balclutha.
About 120 competitors entered the event, and while Mr Hurring said the turnout was good, he really wanted to ‘‘pump it up’’ for the 10th event next year.
‘‘It was Kenny’s wish to have a band and a bouncy castle for the kids but we always said that’s never going to happen.’’
Mr Hurring said Mr Milne would finally get his wish for a bigger celebration after 10 years.
Mr Milne died before the inception of the first event.
Most of this year’s Clutha premier rugby team took part on Saturday.
Flanker Kurt Turnbull was the only team member to enter in the full triathlon while the rest competed in the 5km run or the duathlon.
‘‘I’ve done it for as long as I’ve known about it,’’ Mr Turnbull said.
He was no triathlete but any exercise was good in preparation for the rugby season, Mr Turnbull said.
Clutha elite triathlete Mitch McRae once again took first place in the triathlon with a time just shy of an hour.
It was the sixth time he had come first.
Second place went to Mark Watt.
About $3300 was raised and would be given to local Land Search and Rescue groups.
samuel.white@odt.co.nz