Lake crown up for grabs

Competitors splash their way into Tikitapu for the start of the Blue Lake Multisport Festival two years ago. Photo / Ben Fraser

There's something for everyone at the Blue Lake Multisport Festival, regardless of your ability or experience.

The festival, organised by the Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport, has been running for 28 years and features five events.

There is a race for every family member, including a kids triathlon tomorrow morning.

The first event is the traditional festival opener aquathon - 5.5km run around the lake followed by an 800m swim. Next up is kids triathlon, the second time it has been held at the festival.

All children who take part will get a free sausage sizzleand the chance to win a spot prize. Enter on the day for $20.

If you want a bigger challenge why not take part in the King and Queen of the Lake series. This is for everyone who enters the aquathon, the open water swim tomorrow afternoon and the flagship sprint triathlon on Sunday morning.

The series winners each receive $500 as well as a trophy and jade pendant from Mountain Jade which symbolises inner strength.

Names to watch out for in the battle are Cameron Todd from Taupo, who has won the series multiple times, as well as Rotorua triathlete Sam Osborne.

Queen of the Lake from 2013, Mikayla Nielson, is back, though she will be up against defending Queen Jaimee Leader of Palmerston North.

"The EcomistBlue Lake Multisport Festival has always been one of the hidden gems of the annual triathlon calendar, loved by everyone involved," said one of the event organisers, Margaret Armstrong.

"It is great to see the range of participants that compete in the event, from beginners through to elite triathletes."

The lake will be open to recreational users all weekend but closed to boats from 4pm to 6.30pm tomorrow and from 7.30am to 9.30am on Sunday.

Online entries are closed but can be made on the day in the Water Ski Club Rooms. A $10 late fee applies.

Details

What: Blue Lake Multisport Festival
Where: Tikitapu (Blue
Lake)
When: Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25
Cost: Races from $20, check www.rats.org.nz for entry fee information