Multisport: Tri and half join forces for race event

The Contact Tri Series and the Rotorua Half Ironman have partnered up for a great day of competition at Blue Lake.

Rotorua will host the two events on Saturday, which will see participants in the triathalon series racing at the same time as the much longer Rotorua Half Ironman.

The half ironman race starts at 6.25am on Saturday with family, friends and supporters then able to race in one of the Contact Tri Series events later on the morning, or simply watch.

Races for the Contact Tri Series include a children's triathalon, beginners' triathalon, the sprint distance, standard distance and team racing.

More than 400 people are entered for the races.

Rotorua Half Ironman event director Steve Nicholls said the event is more about the social side of the sport, the camaraderie and friendly atmosphere than it is about elites and prize money.

"When you sign up for this event you'll get a showcase of everything we believe makes triathlon such a great sport.

"An incredibly stunning and testing course and an inviting social atmosphere ... with people who are ready to race hard and play hard."

New Zealand Olympian and world number 19 Ryan Sissons will be taking part in a team race on the day.

A prizegiving will be held at 2.30pm on Saturday, with the event winners taking home metre-high stuffed animals, as part of their prize.

The combination of the two events is being supported by the Rotorua District Council and the Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport (RATS).

Registration for the event will be held at Holiday Inn Rotorua, on Tryon Street, from 4pm to 8pm on Friday. Late registration can also be made on Saturday morning before each event.