Iconic event still attracts top multi sport athletes

One of New Zealand's longest-running triathlon and multisport events is a little over two weeks away.

The 30th Ecomist Blue Lake Multisport Festival, run by the Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisporters (RATs), will be held on Auckland Anniversary weekend on January 30-31 at Tikitapu (Blue Lake).

The event has long attracted interest from up-and-coming and top New Zealand triathletes and this year is expected to be no different.

One of the latest names to be added to the event is Clark Ellice, who between 2008 and 2013 represented New Zealand on the international ITU triathlon circuit.

Also expected to be at the event is Commonwealth Games 2006 silver medallist and Olympic representative Samantha Warriner, who recently retired from professional racing but has been a big supporter of the festival for a number of years, bringing with her a number of age-group representatives from her Sweat7 squad.

The weekend covers a range of events including an aquathon (5.5km run and 800m swim), a kids triathlon, an open water swim (750m and 2km options), sprint triathlon, and 5.5km fun run/walk.

Event Director Nicola Muggeridge said: "The awesome thing about our event is there is something for everyone. Whether you are an elite triathlete or someone who just wants to give triathlon or multisport a go, there are options to suit everyone," she said.

"We are extremely lucky to be able to host this event for its 30th running at the spectacular location of the Blue Lake.

"This year we expect to see an increased field of competitors, in particular for our kids triathlon. It's great to see each year this relatively new addition to the event keeps growing and means triathlon is approachable for all ."