Summer series a change of tack

Jason Page would like to see people take advantage of a midweek racing option when the Aquathon Summer Series debuts on November 18. PHOTO/FILE

An early Sunday morning slog through the Whanganui River and run around Anzac Parade is not as tempting these days for local multisporters - so their club is offering the chance to make it a fun after-work activity.

The Triathlon division of the Whanganui Multisport and Triathlon Club will be running the Aquathon Summer Series, starting in mid November, which will consist of six Tuesday evening races, spread over four months, each starting at 6pm.

Designed for all-comers, the races will involve a 350m river swim and a 3.4km jog, looping from the Railway to Dublin Bridges.

Club president Jason Page said they had noticed in recent years that numbers attending their weekend events had been dwindling.

"Families seem to become a lot busier over the weekends, they can't give as much time."

Page said by removing the biking section of a triathlon it will be easier to organise as they will not have to put up road signs.

The short distance for each discipline means most people could complete it in about half an hour, another drawcard.

While most of the entrants are expected to be regular competitors, Page said they really wanted to encourage youngsters, especially 11-13 year olds.

Part of encouraging them will be a draw for a new specialised hardrock bike.

"Each leg of each event is an entry, so by doing all six events an individual could end up with 12 entries."

The entry cost is being kept at $3 for an individual and $2 each for a team.

First race is November 18, then December 2 and 16.

The series resumes next year, with races on January 27, February 10 and 24.

The February 24 race will include a prize giving and sausage sizzle.

The series opener on November 18 will precede the beginning of the club's regular season calender with the 5one5 triathlon on November 22.

Entry forms can be downloaded at the club's website: http://www.wmtc.co.nz/events.html