Sunday 9 May, 2010: Early in the morning as we hoisted the Registration banner, Yerrabi Pond was covered in mist. Competitors appeared, one by one, kayaks and mountain bikes in tow.

By 8.00am the haze lifted to reveal a clear blue sky – presenting perfect conditions as always for this annual event.

With bikes hinged on the racks, and kayaks cooling their noses in the water, everyone was called to the start for a briefing. Two courses: one short, one long. Both races starting at the same time, 10am, on the same line, but heading in opposite directions. Back to back, like an 18th century duel, the competitors strained for the signal – GO – and they were off on the first leg – the first Run.

All transitions took place at the START/FINISH area. The first lone runner appeared from the winding cycle path that circumnavigates the lake, swiftly donned his life vest, launched his kayak, and paddled off towards the bright orange buoy. Team members by the beach waited to be tagged, paddle in hand, eager to be seaborne. As more and more runners completed their discipline, a fleet of kayaks and skis could be seen gliding to and fro, across the gleaming surface of Yerrabi Pond.

At first the conditions were perfect – but a stiff breeze soon developed and challenged the paddlers at the bottom end of the field. One unfortunate paddler tipped his kayak on the approach to the shore and had to swim the final 30 metres dragging his vessel behind him. By this time the lead cyclists were hurtling through Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, scattering kangaroos in their wake.

The bike course is a truly sumptuous affair, with long stretches of relatively flat trails through scenic bushland. Bikers can scramble as fast as their legs will allow them, only occasionally having to dismount for a gate, or a perimeter fence.

The final transition sees the bikers screeching into the bike compound and before you can say “Yerrabi” they have released a teammate or are off themselves for the final run around the lake.

All finishers reached the line in bright sunlight, to a cheer from their teammates and fellow competitors. It was remarkable to see entrants of all ages, shapes and sizes - several people accepting the challenge for the first time. It is a race for everybody, regardless of capacity and experience. And to top it off, the post race pancakes are a welcome treat!

– report by Devashishu Torpy, a member of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team visiting Canberra from London, UK