A perfect clear blue‑sky morning greeted athletes at Groom Creek, Maitai for Race 1 of the Shoe Clinic MTB Duathlon Series, where 27 competitors took on the hilly new course — our first time racing at this location. Both long‑ and short‑course athletes set off on their opening run before heading into the bike leg and returning for the final run. After watching the long‑course athletes complete their first three laps, it became clear that the 3‑lap second run was a bit too long for this course layout, so the decision was made to shorten it to two laps — a change that seemed to go down well with those racing.

The free kids race at 9:30am was full of enthusiasm, with plenty of under‑12s taking on the run/bike/run loop and enjoying the chance to be part of the morning’s action.

In the long course, Ethan Helliwell claimed the overall win in 1:09:49, with Georgia Whitla taking the top female spot in 1:22:22.8. The short course saw Mitchell MacLachlan take the win in 33:38.3, followed by Turkeys (Team) in 35:41.9, and Keshia Linyard close behind in 35:45.5. Full results can be viewed here: Full race results

A huge thank you goes to Nelson Shoe Clinic for their support, and to all the volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly. Photos from the race are available here: Race Photos

The series continues at Cable Bay on Sunday 17 May, and you can find all the details and register here: Shoe Clinic MTB Duathlon Race 2 Athletes who compete in both Groom Creek and Cable Bay will go into the draw to win a Shoe Clinic running‑shoe voucher — just make sure you’re at prizegiving after Race 2 to claim your prize if your name is drawn.

A great start to the series, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone back in action at Cable Bay.