Trying times for Women’s Triathlon

New Zealand's longest running women's triathlon has been cancelled, falling foul of rising compliance costs.

The iconic Marlborough Women's Triathlon has attracted thousands of participants since it first began in 1983.

Now escalating traffic management and compliance costs means organiser Mark Grammer, a former world tri athlete himself, has been forced to pull the plug.

Council now hope a solution can be found to save the 40-year tradition.

Council’s Manager Parks and Open Spaces Jane Tito says staff are in discussions.

“We are in discussion with Mr Grammer about the future of the Women’s Triathlon.

“If Mr Grammer decides he no longer wishes to run the event, Council could re-tender it to a new provider.”

Recent rule changes have seen costs for road closures, traffic management and consents spiral to five-figures.

Council have confirmed costs have risen recently, Jane says.

“Traffic management is a key cost factor in running a successful event such as this and this needs to be factored into the budget.

“Costs have increased in recent years.

“The triathlon is an iconic event for Marlborough and one that Council would like to see continue for many years to come.”

Hailed by organisers as a celebration of achievement, challenge and a healthy lifestyle, the tri has relied on local groups and organisations to help on the day.

But stricter regulations have ruled this out.

Former competitor and long-time supporter Maggie McFarlane was on the committee for the very first event.

She says the event needs to be recognised as an important part of Marlborough’s history.

“There are women who’ve been in it for 20 plus years. For it to just disappear without anyone asking questions is a sad state of affairs.”

“Forty years is phenomenal. It really is the end of an era and even if it doesn’t come back, it should be recognised.

The original idea came from Dawn O’Conner, leader of the then Blenheim Joggers’ Club.

“At the time we thought it would be a small in-house thing. A group of us put our hands up to be on the committee, not thinking it would carry on for so long, Maggie says.

“We taught people to ride bikes, to swim. It was a really hands-on thing.”

Voted as chair of the initial nine-strong committee, Maggie says community support had been huge, with many local businesses getting behind the event.

Organisations such as the then St John, Marlborough Amateur Radio Transmitters, Girl Guides and both Marlborough Girls’ College and Marlborough Boys’ College got involved.

“A whole lifetime’s gone by since then … it was hugely supported by the community.

“It got so big, with more than 400 entrants at one point. Numbers have dwindled in the last few years but if it was promoted properly, then I’m sure more would come.”

Mark Grammer has been approached for comment.