New twist to spruce up Mangawhai Triathlon

More than 70 entries from Auckland have already been received for the annual Mangawhai Triathlon this weekend, which will take part on a re-jigged course.

This Sunday's event, which is the first in a series of three triathlons being organised by Sport Northland over the next six weeks, is a popular event and is likely to have numbers restricted.

Sport Northland events team leader Hayley Overton says it is pleasing to see this event gaining in popularity, however numbers are limited due to the space.

"The course has been altered this year to make it more interesting and reduce congestion around the transition and finish area," she explained.

"However, we only have a limited space to work with in the transition area which means we will have to restrict entry numbers." Based at the end of Mangawhai Heads Road, the triathlon offers a swim of 500 metres or kayak of 1.5km followed by a 20km cycle and 5km run.

Categories are offered not only for the individual disciplines for open men and women, under 20s and over 40s but also provide the opportunity for people to enter as a team.

Previous winners of the Mangawhai Triathlon have included top New Zealand triathletes Samantha Warriner and Nicky Samuels, however this event encourages competitors from novice through to competitive levels, with the team section being an ideal option for beginners.

The safety briefing will be held at the transition area at the end of Mangawhai Heads Road at 9am prior to the 9.30am start.

A great array of prizes including an Avantiplus bike, iPod from Gen-i plus Asics and ASB gear will be given away at the prizegiving which will take place at the finish area - at the end of Mangawhai Heads Road - at approximately 12pm.

Upcoming events include the Ray White Allens Kids Triathlon, being held at Onerahi on Sunday March 23, and the Kumara Triathlon at Kai Iwi Lakes on Saturday March 29.

Entries are open online at www.northlandtri.co.nz and close on Wednesday. Contact Sport Northland for further details.