Weeks of training will come to a head for the more than 200 athletes participating in the Blue Lake Multisport Festival.
But race director Marie Heaphy said the annual festival wasn't just for the well-trained, serious athletes.
With options for children and a fun run, she said the aim was for it to be affordable.
"It's accessible to a lot of people. We do have some elites as well but the focus is to get them along to introduce people to the sport," Heaphy said.
"It's a lot of fun. You get a real sense of achievement when you take part in events. People do things they didn't think they could do."
Martin Carlyle, chief executive of one of the event sponsors, said they were trying to create a culture around triathlons in Rotorua.
"Through Rats [Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport] people come along and feel they are part of the family, rather than training for a major event," Carlyle said.
"It's just a good feeling. You're part of something, waiting for the hooter to go off."
Carlyle said the setting for the event was also unique.
"There's nothing like this anywhere in the world."
Rats vice-president Carla Harwood said the event offered something for everyone. It was run by volunteers and sponsored by local businesses.
The festival will be held on January 27 and 28 at the Blue Lake Reserve on Tarawera Rd and has the option of five events: aquathon, open water swim, kids triathlon, sprint triathlon and 5km fun run/walk.
Sign up at rats.org.nz/events/blue-lake-multisport-festival or enter on the day.
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