Aquathon

The Aquathon is the original event for the Surf n Turf series as the name may suggest with ‘Surf’ representing the swim & ‘Turf’ representing the run. An aquathon series has been a feature on the Christchurch multisport calendar for many years with and this summer will be the sixth summer as the Surf n Turf series. An aquathon consists of an Ocean Swim followed by a run. It requires athletes to use two quite different muscle groups and this is what makes it such a popular event. The Surf n Turf series offers two Aquathon race options being Short & Long races.

Race Options

Long Course

Targeted at the experienced triathletes in Christchurch the swim distances range from 800m – 1300m followed by a run of between 3.5km & 5.5km.

Short Course

The Short Course Aquathon is targeted at the entry level and social athlete. They will compete on the same course as the long course aquathon but over a shorter distance.

Dates & Distances

Please note distances are subject to change and run distances in particular are just indicative at this stage.

Course Descriptions

Corsair Bay

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Swim The swim course at Corsair Bay will be set as a triangular shaped course clearly marked using buoys. Swimmers will start on the beach (unless it is high tide) and swim around the course in a clockwise direction. The number of laps each week will change based on the distance to be completed but in most cases the short Aquathon will complete 1 lap and the long Aquathon will complete two laps. At the end of the swim there is a short run up the ramp to the transition area. Run The run course heads east out of transition along the walkway where you will run up a short flight of stairs to the 4×4 track where you continue east towards Lyttleton. Depending on race distance you may come to a turn point on this 4×4 track before you reach the road however some weeks you will need to take a single walking track off to the right as you get to the top of the hill where you will continue towards lyttleton for a further 200m before you pop out on the road, at this point you will turn and head back towards Corsair Bay dropping back onto the 4×4 track when you reach the gate. The run course will be clearly marked with cones and marshals.

Categories

All aquathon events will be separated into 10 year age brackets. You will be allocated into age groups based on your age as of January 1st 2011.

Prizes

There will be a brief spot prize giving following each weeks race. Major spot prizes will be given out at the final prize giving, to be eligible for the major spot prizes competitors must compete in at least 5 of the 8 events.

Points will be allocated for both overall series champions and category champions. At this stage we are unsure if we will be able to award performance prizes for every race option.

Series Points

Each week points will be allocated to every competitor based on their placing in their race. We will allocate points for overall placing in an event and for your placing in your category. At the end of the series the points from your best 5 events will count towards your total. Points are allocated as below:

Event Numbers

This year there will be no restriction of entry numbers for the aquathon events, however we will be limiting the total number of competitors across all events to 300.

Special Terms & Conditions

All aquathon swimmers are required to wear a Surf n Turf silicone swim cap when in the water, this swim cap can be purchased at the time of registration for $5 or if you purchase a season pass it will be included in the cost of your entry. Wetsuits are not compulsory but are recommended, if you haven’t got a swimming specific wetsuit you can purchase them from The Frontrunner at Northlands Mall (or soon to be opened Sydenham Store).
It is recommended that swimmers seed themselves on the start line with confident swimmers at the front and less confident swimmers to the back and sides, this is to prevent anyone getting injured during the swim start.
No sharp jewelry is to be worn in the swim as this may cause harm to other competitors and their equipment.
On the run course it is important to be aware that the run course is set on a public walkway so you may encounter members of the public.
Appropriate footwear is required on the run course, no bare feet are allowed. Race numbers will be provided an must be worn on the run course.

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