Duathlon: New venue challenge for regulars

A new venue will hopefully challenge the veterans while enticing the first timers as the Whanganui Multisport Club hosts the John Taylor Memorial Duathlon at Bason Reserve tomorrow.

There will be three levels of competition to suit all athletic types, with club spokeswoman Melina Holmes saying the sprint course would be ideal for the untried as it would remain within the confines of the gardens.

"Kids and beginners we wanted to target. A newcomer to the sport who wants to give it a go but that might not be confident to go on the road."

The club has had 60-odd children compete before at their multisport events, although as always most entries will come on the day, so the club is hoping for a good walkup.

Holmes said taking the racing away from the regular course around the clubrooms at Anzac Parade should also make for some fresh competition amongst the regulars.

A number of them will also be using Sunday as final buildup for the duathlon nationals in Taupo on August 30, including the likes of regular top competitor Soren Hall. "A change in venue is really great, you do something a little different," said Holmes. "Fingers crossed, as weather is the key."

The club will have tents on standby to shelter people if the weather is wet.

The sprint course race will be a 600m run, followed by 2km bike and another 600m run inside the reserve.

Short and long course races will go out on to Rapanui Rd the short being a 2.5km run, 10km bike and 1.25km running finish. Long course is a 5km run, 20km bike and 2.5km run to the line.

The action starts at 9am.