News & Racing

Join Craig Alexander and Celebrate 20 years of Aquathon

Over the past 20 years, the MMJ Australia Day Aquathon has become the premier Aquathon swim-run in Australia and a household name in the Illawarra. Held annually on Australia Day, January 26, at the beautiful Wollongong Harbour, 80k south of Sydney, the event draws a big crowd and huge buzz. Aquatho

Shawn Smith

Dec 5, 2018 — 3 min read

Aquathon (aquathlon/biathlon..) were once a major feature on the triathlon calendar and with the growth of swim-run events, are once again on the rise. The Australia Day Aquathon continues to be the benchmark swim-run, the largest in the country with a rich history.

Whilst the list of elites on display has seen the likes of Gwen Jorgensen, Jake Birtwhistle, Aaron Royle, Ashleigh Gentle, Craig Alexander, Jodie Stimpson, Ryan Bailie, Charlotte McShane, Emma Jeffcoat, and many an international triathlon vie for honours, the real heart of the event is the all ages from kids, novices and age groupers all out for a fun Aussie day swim-run.

‘Aquathon is based on participation, community and enjoying a fun Australia Day experience. For some it is competitive, for most it is a fun and a unique Australia Day activity, where you can take part with the family, a mate and rub shoulders with some big names in the triathlon world’ said Rob Battocchio, Event Director.

Since its inception, over 12,000 participants have taken part, and each year over 1500 line up in the Aquathon events, and a few hundred more in the fun run-walk.

“Aquathon is a launching pad for up and coming triathletes with the likes of Aaron Royle, Jake Birtwistle, Charlotte McShane who participated in Aquathon at a young age and have now moved on to represent their sport or Triathlon at the highest level,” Mr Battocchio said.

“In 2019, HPT triathlon squad is expected to lead the long Aquathon honours with Emma Jeffcoat and Nathan Breen are set to lead the charge, though each year there are often a few last minute international elites entering”

Australian Ironman hero, Craig Alexander, has made the event an annual feature for his family and is set to return for their 4th time in 2019.

“I have always loved Aquathons, in fact I raced several before I attempted a triathlon. They are a lot of fun and a great way to build or test your fitness. My family and I have participated in the Australia Day Aquathon for 3 years now. There are a range of events of different distances to cater for all ages and levels of ability. It really is a family atmosphere and a fun and healthy way to kick off Australia Day. I might even take on the Long Aqua this year for a bit of fun..”

Aquathon features four swim-run events in increasing distance to choose from including Kids (120m/2k 6-9yrs) and (200m/2k 10-12yrs); Mini (200m /2k); Short (400m / 3k) and Long (900m/7k) along the popular 4k fun run-walk.

Participants can opt to participate individually and take on the full swim and run, or tag team style which is perfect for those who don’t want to do the full event. Simply grab a mate, one runs and one swims – it’s that easy!

Get your tri club kit on, bring the family and join in.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary, Aquathon is inviting past participants to come back to Aquathon to re-live the memories.

“Whether you participated two years ago or 20 years ago, I encourage you to come out of the woodwork and give this year a crack! I’m sure there are many ex-triathletes, runners or swimmers who have pounded the pavements and swam around the yachts in the harbour in years gone by. I challenge you to dust off your speedos and joggers and register for this year’s event” Mr Battocchio said.

Aquathon is all about fun, fitness and family, “Maybe since you’ve last done an Aquathon, you’ve got kids or even grandkids now. Bring them along and make it a family event for everyone and kick off your morning with a beautiful swim and run around the harbour!’ Mr Battocchio said.