News & Racing

The Australia Day Aquathon is set for huge one come Friday 26 January

The annual MMJ Australia Day Aquathon at beautiful Wollongong harbour, a short 80k south of Sydney, continues to be the ‘one aquathon’ not to miss. 2018 ushers in the events 19th edition which has grown to become the nation’s largest swim and run, -drawing a huge field made up of elites, age grouper

Shawn Smith

Dec 22, 2017 — 2 min read

The annual MMJ Australia Day Aquathon at beautiful Wollongong harbour, a short 80k south of Sydney, continues to be the ‘one aquathon’ not to miss.

2018 ushers in the events 19^th edition which has grown to become the nation’s largest swim and run, -drawing a huge field made up of elites, age groupers to hundreds of kids and all comers. You can rub shoulders with the event’s ambassador, 3x former World Ironman Champion Craig Alexander (and family), to 2018 Commonwealth Games Triathlon Team Members Ashleigh Gentle and Charlotte McShane or simply kick off a fun and unique Australia Day.

Four swim and run distances are on offer; kicking off at 8am the premier “Long Aqua” a 900m (divided into two laps of the harbour swim) and 7k out and back scenic run course, than drops to the “Short Aqua” a 400m swim and 3km Run; TRY Aqua the ideal novice course of 200m swim and 2k run, and the KIDS Aqua a 140m swim and 2k run for U10’s or 200m swim and 2k run for the 10-12’s.

Each event (except for Try Aqua) offer individual or tag team divisions for the swimmer and runner to match up.

“Whether you are a novice, or midst Ironman preparation, the Australia Day Aquathon can fit in all schedules”.

The swim courses are each held within the protected Wollongong harbour, and the January water temperature is generally 21-22 degrees, open to both wetsuit or non-wetsuit swim. Exiting the swim to the transition a short 20m from the water’s edge, the scenic run courses head north to one of the three turn points. The first and last kilometre on the road, with the middle section of long and short courses a mix of cycle path, and nature parks.

Each event is divided into age and gender, along with team separated starts.

“The Australia Day Aquathon in Wollongong is an amazing event. Races to cater for the whole family and all levels of ability in a really fun and friendly atmosphere. The organisers do an incredible job putting on a safe and scenic event.” – Craig Alexander, 3x World Ironman Champion

While the thrill of elites mixing in with age groupers is a real buzz, ‘Aquathon’ is more celebrated as a fun all ager. Kids each receive a finishers medal and the huge crowd cheer all finishers.

With its relaxed and fun vibe, drawcard location, safety and professional services, prize and give away pool, and huge fun factor, are just some of the reasons the event’s popularity continues.