Rangitīkei Duathlon series returns

Get ready to hit the ground running and cycling—Do a Duathlon, the exciting family-friendly event series combining fun and fitness, is back over four action-packed Wednesdays at Tūtaenui Reserve, Marton.

Launched last year by Sport Whanganui in collaboration with Rangitīkei District Council, organiser Libby Rayner says the free events, starting on Wednesday 12 February, are a great way for kids and adults alike to stretch their skills and have fun.

“There are different length courses for everyone, starting from five- and six-year-olds all the way up to the open event.

“Parents and whānau are also welcome to jump in and participate alongside their children in the shorter distances.”

It’s BYO bike, but there are also 22 Trek mountain bikes of various sizes available to borrow on event nights, plus helmets. The fleet of brand-new bikes were purchased through Rangitīkei District Council thanks to a grant from the NZ Lotteries Commission.

At the end of the event series the bikes will be used for a Bikes in Schools programme being run in Term 1 by Sport Whanganui in four local schools – Marton School, Marton Junction, James Cook School and St Matthews.

“Later in the term we plan to extend the programme to Bulls, Clifton, Turakina, and South Makirikiri,” says Libby.

“We’d love to see tamariki from our local schools coming along and giving the Duathlon a go. These events are a great way to build confidence and having the bikes available helps to make it as easy as possible.”

Sport Whanganui will also be running a shuttle on event days to and from the course, leaving from Marton Memorial Hall at 3:15pm.

The age group races are held over the following distances and times:

• 3:30pm: On the day registration and sign-in
• 4pm: 5/6 years – 400m run, 800m ride, 200m run
• 4:30pm: 7/8 years – 800m run, 1.2km ride, 200m run
• 5:00pm: 9/10 years – 900m run, 1.5km ride, 200m run
• 5:30pm: 11/12 years -2.2km run, 3.5km ride, 400m run
• 6:00pm: Open (rangatahi and adults)– 2km run, 4.5km ride, 400m run.

To enter, register at https://forms.office.com/r/MaqxdgU9Dt

For more information, contact Libby Rayner at libby@sportwhanganui.co.nz or 0272418021.