2012 Aquathlon National Championship

Nelson

Summary

Paruparu Rd
Nelson
7010
New Zealand

What a great race

Well done everyone who took part. Congratulations to Harrison Dean and Rachel Klamer, race winners and especially to the more than 30 people who were there from 7am, putting up tents, putting out buoys and cones and standing on street corners.
Race results, click here
Tri NZ story: http://www.triathlon.org.nz/news?id=442
Newspaper story: http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/6408437/Dean-takes-title-after-a-week-of-hard-work
Photos, http://www.shuttersport.co.nz/galleries/2012-aquathlon-national-championship

Two race options

Aquathlon National Championship

The standard course used at international level, consisting of 2.5km run, 1km swim, 2.5km run. As this is a national championship event, medals will be awarded in all age groups. The event is a selection race for the New Zealand team to compete in the 2012 World Aquathlon Championship. For provisional age group selection criteria, click here.
(NB Just one international licence covers triathlon, duathlon,aquathlon etc)
Elite selection criteria available soon.
Championship course map

Transition map

Aquathlon Short Course
If you're new to this combination of disciplines, here's your chance to try it out over a course consisting of 2.5km run, 300m swim, 2.5km run.
Short course map

When

Saturday February 11, 2012
Both races start at 12.30pm
(Note that these times may be adjusted if wave starts are required)
Registration will be from 11.00am at the race start. (No registration required on Friday). Competitors should allow time to complete registration before the race briefing, which will take place at 12.15pm.
The medal ceremony will be at Trailways Hotel in Trafalgar St, close to the start/finish area. It will commence as soon as possible after the race and will be followed immediately by a prize giving. Competitors in both races will be eligible for spot prizes by random draw, but must be present to claim prizes. Results click Here

Venue

The event will be held at Rutherford Park, adjacent to the Trafalgar Centre and close to Trafalgar Park. The venue is a five-minute walk from the heart of Nelson and close to many accommodation options from backpackers up.

Poster
Download your own poster here

The course

The National Championship run course starts in Paruparu Rd, joining the footpath and turning left into Halifax St, Trafalgar St, QE2 Drive and Haven Rd, before crossing the footbridge to the Trafalgar Centre and continuing on to the grass of Rutherford Park. A transition area will be available for swim cap (compulsory and supplied) and goggles. Shoes must be left here. A towel is advised to mark each individual's spot, although positions will be numbered.
The swim course will head north, beneath the QE2 Drive traffic bridge, returning south to pass under the footbridge, then completing a rectangle back to the start point. This is 500m - two laps will be required.
Competitors will pass through the transition zone, then repeat the opening run course, finishing on the grass of Rutherford Park.

Travel to Nelson

Nelson has the fourth-busiest airport in New Zealand, with many daily direct flights to all the main centres. Shuttle or taxi transport is readily available from the airport. For help with travel accommodation and rental cars, our travel agent of Choice, Wildside Travel, will look after you. Details here

Accommodation

Trailways in Trafalgar St is right on the run course and offers good options. Check them out and book online at www.trailwayshotel.co.nz There are many other accommodation options close to the course and central Nelson.

What to do while you're here

If you arrive early, in addition to seeing the sights of the region, take part in one of our sea swims.
On Sunday, February 5, enter the Clements Endurance Series 3.8km Ironman Challenge. There's a short option of 1300m. At the same time, for members of New Zealand Masters Swimming we're hosting the NZMS Open Water Championship over a 2.5km course. Details and entries ($15) at www.nelsonseaswims.co.nz
Entry to the Aquathlon National Championship also entitles you to a free entry in the Port Nelson Summer Sea Swim Series on Thursday February 9. Register at the Nelson Yacht Club ramp on Wakefield Quay, 5.30-6pm for a swim of 1200-1500m, or a short option of 400-600m.