All is in readiness for Wollongong’s Trithegong Triathlon Festival on the weekend of March 10-11.
It comes hot on the heels of the successful Australia Day Aquathon, and experienced event director Rob Battocchio is as enthusiastic as ever about the challenge.
In its inaugural year in December 2010, the event attracted nearly 1000 participants, ranging from elite athletes, triathletes and beginners to children.
Now it has been moved to March to fit in with the triathlon schedule and has attained NSW Olympic Distance Titles significance.
Events across Saturday, March 10, are:
? Kidz 7-12 years Miniman - a safe 100-200m swim, 3-4km bike, 1-2km run in and around Marine Parade, Wollongong Harbour and Lang Park.
? Enticer beginners triathlon - a 250m swim, 8km (5-lap) cycle, 2km run, also around Marine Parade and Lang Park for a safe and fun experience.
On Sunday, March 11, events turn to:
? Marquee NSW Olympic Distance Triathlon - a 1500m (2-lap) swim, 40km (3-lap) cycle from Lang Park to Rothery Road, Bellambi and 10km (2x 5km) cycleway run.
? Sprint All Ages Triathlon - a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run. There are 14yrs+ age and tag team categories.
‘‘We are expecting 1000 participants from wider NSW - with many of them competitive age groupers - to kids, beginners and all levels,’’ Battocchio said.
The swimming venue is Wollongong Harbour, with the cycle for kids and Enticer beginners events on Saturday around Flagstaff Hill and the run is on the cycle path heading south behind WIN Stadium.
The Olympic Distance Triathlon on the Sunday will be held on a street circuit stretching from Lang Park to Towradgi and back (four laps for Olympic distance and two for sprint) and the run is north on the cycle path to the Science Centre and back.
All entrants receive insurance cover, a T-shirt or kids’ singlet, sponsors goods and professional services, including a traffic-free city circuit and magic triathlon experience. Kids also get a finishers medallion.
The event is a major economic and tourism event for the Illawarra.
‘‘Our appeal is to the wider ‘try a triathlon types’ and aim to allow time for people to prepare,’’ Battocchio said.
‘‘The program will offer all an event to try their hand at a triathlon, along with an elite and more competitive age-group field.
‘‘The weekend features an expo site on Lang Park and a Towathlon for charity on the Saturday.’’
This is a five-person (four tow and one driver) contest to tow a Toyota 75m and win $1000 first or $500 second in cash (sport club). Entry is $100 per team, with all proceeds to Illawarra Disability Trust.
‘‘The event is a showcase for the Illawarra, a great festival of swim, bike, run and fun,’’ Battocchio said.
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