Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Kingston-based Nigel Wynter copped first place in one hour, 29 minutes and 37 seconds, while Nancy Pinchard copped the award for being the first female to complete the race 14th Jake's Off-Road Triathlon.

Founder of the event, Jason Henzell, was delighted with the support and level of sponsorship which it had attracted.

"We had very good sponsorship and very good community participation, which is important," Henzell said of the event which was held on Sunday in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. "I am extremely pleased with the event in all aspects - the organisation sponsorship and the community support. So all factors made it an extremely successful day. It was really a fantastic turnout."

Largest event

The event, with a record 120 participants, consisted of a 500-metre ocean swim in neighbouring Great Bay, followed by a 25-kilometre mountain bike race and a seven-kilometre cross-country run.

The competition is one of the largest held in the fishing community annually and is a major fund-raiser. It was open to indivi-dual competitors, relay teams and juniors.

Proceeds from the event are donated to Breds, a charity organisation which promotes education, sports, cultural heritage and environmental awareness in the Treasure Beach community.

The proceeds this year will go towards the commencement of the first phase of works for the new Treasure Beach Sports Park which, upon completion, is expected to accomodate a football field, cricket pitch, track, basketball and netball courts, playground and a community centre on 15 acres of land.