Solomon Islands' newest sport drew over 100 competitors and 24 teams for a spectacular Our Telekom Triathlon Solomon Islands Corporate race at Kakabona Beach over the weekend.

Our Telekom representative, Loyley Ngira, said it was good to see so many fit people.
"Our Telekom is proud to support a growing sport in Solomon Islands that is also such a great community event," Mr Ngira said.

"At last year's event the Our Telekom team didn't finish, but this year we did. So I think that is also a sign of progress!"

TriSI Vice-President Maxon 'crocodile man' Ala was excited to welcome so many new people to triathlon.

"The race marshals who volunteer their time, the people who come to watch, people from Kakabona village and the athletes - they all helped to support triathlon in Solomon Islands to become a great sport for the country," Ala said.

Four events were raced: short triathlon (200m swim, 10km ride, 2km run) and long triathlon (400m swim, 20km ride, 4km run) and short aquathon (200m swim, 2km run) and long aquathon (400m swim, 4km run).

Cyclists rode a new longer course from Kakabona Beach to Bonegi instead of to White River. Julie Webb, who rode the cycle leg in the winning women's long triathlon team said, "It was good to not have to turn around so many times and the road to Bonegi is beautiful, green and shady!"

TriSI President Ross Andrewartha said the large turnout was sensational. "There's been great support from government, corporate, diplomatic and development communities. I think the positive thing about the team events is to have the interaction between the local triathletes, businesses, development workers and people here with the Regional Assistance Mission and their Solomon Islands counterparts," he said.

Mr Ngira thanked everyone for coming along to the event and said Our Telekom looked forward to continuing its support of triathlon in Solomon Islands.

"Everyone involved is to be congratulated."