Triathlon: Fit family to tackle Taupo

The Hirschberg family are set to tackle Taupo this weekend. Photo / Supplied

The super-fit Hirschberg family are set to rack up a grand total more than 280km of swimming, cycling and running as mum, dad and their two sons all compete in the Kellogg's IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo on Saturday.

Based on a beef and sheep farm near Ashurst in the Manawatu, it was mum, Cheryl, who kick-started the passion for long distance triathlon racing by entering her first IRONMAN 70.3 event three years ago.

Since then her husband Steve and two sons Bryce, 20, and Darren, 18, have followed her lead but it will be the first time the quartet will have competed in the same IRONMAN 70.3 event in which athletes tackle a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run.

"I started the trend and everyone else seemed to get on the train," admits Cheryl, 52, who dabbled in triathlon for three years or so before making her long distance triathlon. "We are a family that likes to keep fit and active and enjoy the best that New Zealand has to offer."

Immediately bitten by the bug, both sons also quickly developed a passion, so much so that they have each been given their own triathlon coach for their Christmas and birthday presents.

Meanwhile Steve also joined the family in the sport for the past couple of years, although the 49-year-old admits he faced a steep learning curve.

"I couldn't really swim up until 18 months ago but life is about challenges," he says.

While Cheryl has competed in several IRONMAN 70.3 races and in two full IRONMAN triathlons, Steve and Bryce, a Massey University student, are competing in only their second IRONMAN 70.3 event and Darren, a final year student at Palmerston North Boys High School, makes his debut over the distance.

The big question is who will prevail on the day?

"We'll all be watching over our shoulders and there will be a few family side bets," says Cheryl. "I'm looking for a 5:20 time and Steve is just looking to try and beat me. Darren is looking for five hours and Bryce a 4:30."

The family, who often train together and who competed in their respective age groups at the World Triathlon Championships in Mexico in September, fully appreciate the time they spend together pursuing their shared passion.

"Some people take their kids to Disneyland but we compete in triathlon," says Steve. "It is just what we do."

More than 1200 competitors from over 30 nations will take part.