Top juniors triumph as race stimulates interest in triathlon among locals

There were no surprises as junior stars Ricco Chan Ye-ko and Tania Mak So-ning won their respective divisions in the 2004 Aquathoner at the Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool and Sports Ground in Tsuen Wan.

Taking part in the elite category, Ye-ko clocked 6 minutes 16 seconds in the 500-metre swim and 16.56 in the 5-kilometre run, while So-ning did both events in 25.57.

'They're the top triathletes in Hong Kong and their participation really showed that this event is important,' said Letty Ma, a spokeswoman for the 2004 Aquathoner.

The race attracted more than 300 competitors. It was divided into elite, open and challenge sections and further broken down into age and gender.

The open section consisted of a 300m swim and a 2.5-km run, while the challenge was a 350m swim and a 5km run. Winners of each category received trophies and sport watches.

The proceeds from the competition went towards HOPE Worldwide, a charity that serves the elderly and young children in the region.