The Schools Triathlon Challenge returned to Devonport on Wednesday

The annual pilgrimage to Devonport for students from all across the region and the North of the state made its return on Wednesday after COVID-19 forced the event to be cancelled in 2020.

Wednesday saw nearly 600 secondary and college students take on the challenge that is triathlon in what was a sight for sore eyes for organisers after last year.

"We are just really pleased to be back and the racing went really well with some really enthusiastic kids,'' race director Tim Smith said.

"We had a lot of comments about how good it was that the race was back on, which was a great feeling.

"You do fear that people would move on and find something else to do with having a year off, but with the support base and the model of this event I did think we would start up and kick back off from where we were.

"But while I did hope that it would, you do actually never know it is going to until it actually happens, so today really was a relief.

"When I decided to jump in boots and all in March to plan it out for schools and everything had to be out by August, you are 100 per cent committed, but with COVID anything could have happened between March and now which could have impacted it or stopped it

"So that feeling was with us right up until we started this morning, so that's why it really was a massive relief for me and all of the staff here."

Smith highlighted the performances of Jonte Armistead [grade 12 at Don College], Jack Latham [grade 9 at Marist Regional College], Ashley Fehlberg [grade 7 at Marist Regional College] and Rosie Jackson [grade 8 at Launceston Church Grammar] as those that stood out.

He said the best part of the event was the enjoyment of students got from being in the environment the event created, something which was extra special after missing out last year.

Primary school pupils will take part on Thursday with 1444 registered.

Anyone over the age of 16 will need to check in via the Check In Tas app, and those over 12 [competitors and spectators] will need to wear a face mask [competitors will not need to wear one when racing]. Races will run from 10am to 2pm.

The challenge will move to the south on December 9 and 10 at Bellerive Beach.