After months of preparation and training, Gloucester High School (GHS) finally held their annual Tri Challenge.
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The event, held on the last day of term, Friday, September, 23 is a shorter version of the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge that was held earlier this month.
It may be shorter in length, but it still requires, mountain biking, kayaking and running.
Participants could enter individually or as part of a team; 87 students and four teachers competed on the day.
The first challenge was held in 1992 and has continued to be an event the students and staff look forward to every year.
Year six students from the nearby schools are also invited to participate.
GHS teacher Rob Seale, took advantage of the Year 7 and 8 sport class, using it to help the students train for the day.
Every Wednesday 18 students would ride their bikes to the base of the Bucketts Lookout, run up to the top and back down before cycling back to the school.
Rob enjoyed getting involved in the out of school sport because he finds it motivates the students.
“It helps the students earn the respect and admiration of their peers.”
Rob said the school couldn’t hold the event without the support of the property owners, who provide use of their land.
Or without MidCoast Council, who provide staff to close the roads or the parents, who volunteer their time.
He gave special mention to Bernie Edstein, who rides the cycling sweep every year.
During the presentation ceremony at the end of the event, teacher Greg Leighton said that Gloucester High School is the only school in Australia to hold this type of event.
Most school triathlons include; cycling, running and swimming.
Gloucester’s event is unique because of the kayaking leg.
The students who participate in that section of the event have to complete a kayaking course provided by the Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre (BOAC).
According to deputy principal, Mike King, who has participated in almost every challenge since its inception, the event requires an enormous amount of preparation.
The students that help with the event need to learn first aid and achieve their bronze medallion.
It was a successfully, tiring way to end term three.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
