For most people, triathlons and honeymoons probably don’t mix.
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But for Melbourne couple Jonney and Katherine Yeates, entering the Launceston Triathlon Club’s state series race in Bridport was a way to celebrate how they met.
She was her now-husband’s swim coach eight years ago.
“I thought it would be good to wash away all the wine, beers and cheese we’ve been eating for the last ten days,” he said.
They hadn’t planned to take it too seriously, entering as a team, until they heard the starting gun.
“She was like ‘where do you want to come today? And I said ‘we’re going for the win, aren’t we?”
They weren’t far off, taking out second place in the sprint triathlon.
The Saturday afternoon triathlon attracted competitors from across the state.
Club vice president Matt Wheatley said more than 160 people competed on a warm day, with a fridge of water bottles and icy poles to help them cool down after their race.
About 500 hours of volunteer work went into setting up the triathlon, which helped create a fantastic event, he said.
This was Shandell Elmer’s second year of competing in triathlons.
“I was a bit nervous to start with because it seemed like it was only for people who were really elite at sport,” Elmer said.
“I’m a late onset adult athlete, coming to it late, everyone is really friendly and encouraging.”
There was a race length for most people to have a go at, she said.
“You don’t have to be elite to get off the couch and give it a go.”