On the day
Setting up
For the seniors (13+) cycles and kayaks must be in place by 8:30am Saturday 1st March 2025 at Hans Bay, Lake Kaniere (see map). For juniors, bikes must be in place by 1pm.
Race brief
Senior Race Briefing is at 9:15am at the hub. All senior athletes must attend.
Junior Race Briefing is at 1:15pm at the hub. All junior athletes must attend.
Race number
To be clearly visible on participants’ chests. Swimmers will be required to write their number on their arm or leg at the start line (pens will be provided if required). If your number is not displayed properly, your time may not be recorded.
Runners
Senior runners must be capable of running 10km. All runners must run on the right hand side of the road. Juniors aged 7-10 must be capable of running 1.6km and 11-13-year-olds 4km. The road is open to traffic at all times.
Kayakers
A life jacket MUST be worn. Kayaks must be scrubbed down before the race. Kayaks will be scrutinised at 8:30am at Hans Bay. If a kayaker cannot complete the course, they are to cease paddling, and raise their paddle upright into the air. The lake is open for public use at all times.
Cyclists
Senior cyclists must have their bikes racked by 8:30am. Junior cyclists must have their bikes racked by 1pm. Cycle helmets MUST be worn. Drafting is only permitted if you are registered as a tandem team. Senior cyclists must dismount on the road, and rack their own bike. Juniors aged 7-10 must be capable of riding 4km and 11-13-year-olds 7km. The course is a combination of tar seal/gravel for seniors, so a mountain bike or gravel bike is advised. Junior cycle course is all on seal. The road is open to traffic at all times.
Swimmers
Senior swim tri competitors must be capable of swimming 680m. Swimmers must wear a bright cap. If unable to complete the course, swimmers must start treading water and raise their hand. Long distance swimmers must be aged 13+ years, and capable of swimming 2km in open water. Junior swimmers aged 7-10 must be capable of swimming 250m and 11-13-year-olds 400m in open water unaided – no life jackets or buoyancy devices to be used. The lake is open for public use at all times.
No road closure
All roads will be open to traffic at all times. Please obey all road rules, and be aware of all forms of traffic.
Transitions
Relay changes are by touch of hand. At the completion of the kayak leg, kayaks will be cleared by marshals. Kayakers must remove life jackets and run through a chute for their time to be recorded.
Marshalls will be there to assist juniors during transitions.
Assistants
Assistants may only aid competitors by directing them to canoes or cycles – NO practical or physical assistance is permitted. Marshals for the senior event will not be catching bikes – senior competitors must rack these themselves. KEEP OUT OF ROPED AREAS and stay clear of any changeover points.
Hato Hone St John and marshals
Hato Hone St John and marshal volunteers are there to ensure your safety. An information tent will be manned if any direction is needed.
Disqualification
Failure to comply with any of the rules of the race OR follow directions of officials OR to complete the course as set out will result in disqualification. Disputes will be handled by the Triathlon Committee, whose decision is final.
Final Word
This is a fun day – with a huge amount of support. The event schedule is laid out as follows – some are subject to change depending on competitor finish times.
8:30am Senior kayaks and bikes to be in place for inspection
9:15 Senior race briefing for all seniors to be done at the Hub
9:30 Senior race start
1pm Junior bikes to be in racks for inspection
1:15pm Junior race briefing for all junior competitors to be done at the Hub
1:30pm Junior race start
3pm (subject to all juniors finished) Junior prize giving to be held at Hans Bay
5pm Senior & Junior Prizegiving – Hokitika Regent Theatre
Lake Kaniere Scenic Triathlon 