Three generations of Lovegroves will line-up in lycra at Belmore Basin next Thursday, something that’s become a yearly tradition for the family.
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Bill Lovegrove, 72, has been entering the Australia Day Aquathon with his clan nearly every year since its inception, and this year is no different.
“Australians we pride ourselves with being healthy outdoor people. So that’s a really nice way to show it on Australia day,” Mr Lovegrove said.
“The family thing has become the big thing for us. Initially I would do it with my children and then as grand children came along we’ve continued that tradition.”
Mr Lovegrove, who is also a member of the Illawarra Triathlon Club, said it’s not just one special day but includes the weeks training together leading up to it.
“It’s a nice bond across the generations for a number of weeks, not just one day,” he said.
The former UOW Professor is now head of the Nan Tien Institute and added it’s also nice to “live” what he teaches, that is, mind and body wellness.
Organisers expect around 2000 people to take part in the swim-run event including a mix of international, interstate and local athletes.
It begins in Wollongong Harbour before competitors run north along the Blue Mile, while less sporty types can take part in the community walk.
“It involves people like real champions, to old people like me, to little kids,” Mr Lovegrove said.
“Having that range of participation is really quite special, it gives you a really good flavour of what happens in one bit of Australia.”