Women's triathlon one of oldest on calendar

With just six days until the Fresh Choice Southern Lakes Women's Triathlon at Lake Hayes, organisers are urging competitors to make the most of the time left for training.

The February 27 event, now in its 18th year, is one of the oldest events exclusively for women on the national calendar.

It also includes a duathlon and traditionally attracts a range of sportswomen from elite to novice, competing as individuals or in teams.

One of the event's strong supporters, Andy Rapley, of Queenstown, said she had regularly competed in the triathlon, as an individual and in teams, and she had also completed the duathlon.

"I am back this year in the triathlon in the individual field and am really looking forward to it.

"It's an awesome event and the best thing about it is there is no pressure.

"It's all about fun and camaraderie and it's a fantastic family day out for the husbands and kids as well," she said.

"There's always a great picnic atmosphere."

Mrs Rapley was encouraging as many local women as possible to enter the triathlon or duathlon because it was an attainable goal.

"It doesn't matter about age, shape, size or fitness level. Anyone can feel comfortable about giving it a go.

"It is a great entry-level triathlon and the swim, in particular, which some women find daunting, is definitely achievable.

"For those that don't want to do the swim or kayak, the duathlon is a good option."

Categories for both the triathlon and duathlon include individual, team, business house and veteran.

The triathlon course includes a 300m swim or 2km kayak on Lake Hayes, followed by a 15km bike ride on the Lake Hayes-Arrowtown road into Speargrass Flat Rd and return, followed by a 5km run/walk on the Lake Hayes track to the finish-line at the Lake Hayes Pavilion.

The duathlon begins with a 1.5km run on the Lake Hayes track and follows the triathlon's 15km biking leg.

It concludes with a 5km run to the finish line.

Race director Geoff Hunt said the triathlon and duathlon were tailor-made for women and the response, particularly from new competitors, was always positive.

"The competitors love the Southern Lakes women's triathlon and it often spurs them on to take part in other more demanding events," he said.

"They get their confidence competing in an all-women field before moving on to tougher challenges."

Entry forms are available online at www.southerntraverse.com/womenstri or from sports shops.

 

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