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THERE were grins aplenty at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval at the weekend, as hundreds of children took part in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRYathlon.
Relatives lined the edge of the oval to watch the triathletes swim, ride and run their way around the course.
There were cheers of support as each participant crossed the finish line, with City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Peter Cox on hand to present the medals.
Eleven-year-old Jack Fry said he was happy with his efforts and his favourite part was the ride.
"I went pretty good. I have done a lot of bike riding at home and around my block so I am used to it," he said.
About 751 children took part in this year's event, with registrations slightly down on last year.
Sanitarium corporate communications manager Julie Praestiin said the event's focus was to encourage children to be healthy and active.
"Sanitarium wants to see kids get out and get active and healthy. With the rising obesity rates we've got here in Australia - we are now the 14th in the world for having obesities," she said.
"This we see as a way of getting kids out, getting healthy and the feedback from the kids indicates that it does help them to think about being more active and enjoy life to the fullest."
Luca Brisbane, 14, travelled from Daylesford with his sister Sunday, 11, and their friend Lucinda Lowe, 11, to participate.
Luca said this was the first time he had entered the TRYathlon.
"I think I did pretty good. It was lots of fun," he said.
Lucinda said besides from a broken bike chain which caused a headache, she had also enjoyed her first TRYathlon. "It was pretty annoying," she said.