The Tokio Millennium Re Kids Duathlon lived up to expectations as Bermuda’s young athletes showcased their skills before a large crowd on Front Street last night.

More than 200 athletes competed in various age groups and provided plenty of excitement for the spectators that dotted the racecourse as they battled for bragging rights.

Saltus student Tommy Marshall won the 13-15 boys age group in 18min 44sec.

“It was a really good race,” he said. “I am used to doing triathlons, however, so the transition from the run to the bike was a little different than what I am used to.

“It was a smooth race for the first few laps, but you had to be careful because there were a lot of kids on the road.

“It was really exciting competing in front of way bigger crowds than I am used to in the triathlons here. It was really good atmosphere.”

Myeisha Sharrieff led the girls 13-15 across the line in 22:40. Oliver Cherry claimed the 11-12 age group in 20:31, with Francis Patton’s Zahriah Outerbridge taking honours in the 11-12 girls field in 21:08.

“I was surprised to win and feel excited because this is my first triathlon and I didn’t know that I could do this,” Outerbridge said.

“It was windy around the corners, but it was fun.

“It was nice racing in front of all those people, but I was also a little nervous.”

Somersfield Academy’s Masaki Kitade was the first finisher in the 9-10 age group in 10:29.

“The race was fun but I didn’t know that I would come first place,” Kitade said. “I was just thinking I’d do my best at the beginning and then I realised I was in first place.

“It was cool having all those people cheering you on but also kind of embarrassing because everybody was watching.

“But I still came first, so I am proud of myself.”

Jaeda Grant led the 9-10 girls across the line in 11:27.

Northland’s Kelise Wade produced the biggest upset as she led the overall 7-8 age group home in 13:32.

“It was a good race but it hurt my chest a little bit,” she said. “I wanted to stop but I couldn’t because I wanted to win the race and to win felt very good and I am very happy.”

Jeon Wolfe was first in the 7-8 boys in 13:44.

“The racing was phenomenal, the crowd amazing and the weather held up,” Neil de Ste Croix, the race director, said.