ENTRY INFO
& F.A.Q’s

Event schedule

https://www.aquathon.com.au/event-day/

EVENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

• The Event policies and management practices ensures high professional standards in the delivery of the Event are maintained, whilst prioritising safety and reducing hazards to participants and personnel involved in the Event.

EVENT WAIVER AND ENTRY TERMS

• Please ensure you read, understand and accept the event waiver and terms of entry as detailed on the online entry form prior to accepting entry and payment.

Event Cancellation Policy

Aquathon is proposed to be held on the nominated event date with no re-runs or postponments. Organisers will plan for the event to proceed under most conditions, unless it is deemed to unsafe by the event organisers and in strict consultation with local authorities.

The event is planned to proceed under most conditions as per wind, rain and subject to strict risk protocols. As per the event waiver certain conditions may make cancellation the only option.

If conditions pose a high risk to participant safety, the event may be cancelled at the last minute. This is typically decided on event morning and communicated on social media channels.

If conditions require cancellation on event morning, there will be no re-run of the event and all entry fees are forfeited for that year.

NOTE: As a single day event Aquathon takes many months of planning, with near all costs borne before event day and are non-refundable. Key approvals, licences, services and cannot be swapped to another day at the last minute. We hope you appreciate the effort required to coordinnate an event as Aquathon and share some risk to keep the special event running.

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WITHDRAWALS, REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

All requests must provide confirmation that Online Registration has been completed.

The time frames noted are determined from the day of the Event.

Request for an Event Refund can be provided, as per the following:

• Up to 8 weeks prior to the event, 50% of the entry fee will be refundable
• between 4 weeks and 8 weeks prior to the event, 25% of the entry fee will be refundable.
• Between 0 and 28 days prior to the event, no entry fee is refundable.
• NO REFUNDS will be available after the last time period under ANY circumstance.
• Can I get a full refund if I provide a medical certificate? A: No. We will not make any exceptions for athletes that can provide a medical certificate or any other documentation. Part refund dates will apply.

Event Transfer

• Request for an Event Transfer can be provided, as per the following
• Transfer to a friend/other participant is not permissible.
• Transfer to a shorter distance – Can take place up until 4 days before the date of the Event. No refund of event fee difference.
• Transfer to a greater distance? Can be made up to 4 days before the event – A $10 transfer fee along with difference of event fee is required via EFT prior to processing.
• Team transfer– Swap in/out a swimmer / runner is permissible based on – the same gender/category, the same event distance. Other team swap must be discussed as it may impact the age/gender/category award. Upgrade/downgrade  distance rules apply as per individuals listed above.
• No transfer to the following event year
• Please note that a transferred entry cannot be refunded in any manner after the original event has passed.

   

  All requests must be made via email to info@aquathon.com.au

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  Why do we have this policy?

  Aquathon is a complex, niche event, run and funded by a small team. Much like most events, concerts and entertainment activities they are very risky and expensive to run, and most non-refundable expenses are borne upfront. It takes the team near 12 months to coordinate and to gain date specific and often complex approvals.

  We aim to keep our entry fees at a fair level and provide exceptional value in services, safety and professionalism.

  Aquathon is one of the very few remaining multi-sport events that is run by a small events as a one off event- yet can compete with the same level of professionalism and often better value.

  We are exceptionally proud of our history, strive to offer a special event that gives back and supports the local community and charities and are 100% focused on delivering a fantastic event and experience.

  Furthermore, organisers cannot guarantee the weather, nor other external events that may impact on the event operations or proceeding. Moving to a new location or date is not manageable.

  We ask that participants read and understand and accept the terms of entry prior to payment.

  We appreciate some circumstances occur that mean you may not be able to take part and as such offer part refunds as listed.

  This policy ensures we can be confident in our decision-making, pay our suppliers, and ultimately commit to delivering the event.

  In return, we ask that participants join us on our journey, share a little of the risk, and support us in our vision to ensure that local, independent events as Aquathon that contribute back to the local community and charities survives and thrives!

Wollongong Harbour Central Site

• Registration In the Old Court House (across road).
• Amenity block
• Middle of Belmore basin
• Portable’s onsite
• Levendi cafe, and see “other”
• First Aid
• Water, waste bins, park/recreation area’s,
• Sponsor stalls
• Announcer PA

Race Services

• Safety services
• Electronic timing
• Course marshals
• Water safety
• Water stations
• Signage
• Road closures
• Finish line services
• Refreshment zone
• FINISHER Medals
• Prize draws
• Podium age/team winners and place-getters medals and select sponsor prizes.
• Photography

On course water stations

1. North beach: 1k mark of run course for ALL Events and as the Kids/Mini turn

2. North Beach: Final 1km for ALL Events 

2. Long Aqua at the Mid way at fairy meadow (as you enter Puckey’s nature estate)

3. Finish line

First Aid:
Event first aid is on standby at the start, on course (mobile) and at the finish line provided by a team of qualified staff from St John’s First Aid. If you require assistance please ensure to approach first aid on site or water safety. Emergency services are on standby.

Timing Chip Return:
Once you pass the finish chute, firstly ensure to remove your timer tag (velcro ankle strap) and place in containers allocated.

Refreshment zone:
Proceed to the official participants ‘recovery area’ for fruit and water. Parents: please ensure to keep an eye on your children and assist to locate you. Proudly supported by Lighthouse Community.

Photography

Our social media photographer will be on site and taking lots of snaps we will put up on our fan page.

Partner & Stalls onsite with give away’s

• MMJ Realestate
• Horizon Bank
• Peoplecare Health Fund
• Squadron Energy

EXPO STALLS

• Advantage Skin Clinic- Free skin check
• Run Havoc 
• Planet Fitness
• North Beach Daily
• Recovery Bar

Age and Team Awards

• Age podium medals and division winner prizes
• Kids Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd all age divisions
• Team podium medals and division winner prizes
• 1st outright Long Aqua special prizes
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Fun Run special prizes

PRIZE SPONSORS INCLUDE:

Run Havoc

Aquathon branded swim/run/sports gear

Aquathon offers over 144 categories and awards across four events making it one of the most generous on offer. Unfortnately not all categories can be awarded and some events are classified as ‘mixed’ non/gender, this applies to some team events.

Prior to collecting awards please check the correct event and category/award applies as listed below and in each evetn page.

AGE / TEAM AWARDS

Medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd per age/division

1st per age/division select prizes

SPECIAL AWARDS

Long Aquathon

1st, 2nd, 3rd  Overall Male and Female.

$200, $125, $75 cash or award equivalent

Fun Run

1st, 2nd, 3rd  Overall Male and Female.

$150, $75, $50 cash or award equivalent

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KIDS AQUA

SHORT AQUA

 LONG AQUA

FUN RUN

Prize Draws

Major prizes tba

2026 Prize Draws

• Loads of awesome spot/barrel draw prizes for all whom enter from partners
• Squadron Energy- St George-Illawarra Dragons Family Passes!
• Planet Fitness memberships

Please refer to terms and conditions.

Whilst highly unlikely, in the event of extreme weather, the event committee and key stakeholders will determine whether the event can:

– Proceed as normal

– Proceed under a amended or modified courses or

– Event Cancellation and no re-run.

This will be communicated late the evening prior or most likely on event day morning to allow for all factors to be comprehensively considered.

Course Modifications

The course may be changed for safety and/or other reasons before or during the race.

If any swim legs are considered unsafe, one or more of the swims may be reduced, swapped to a ‘wade’ or removed from the course.

Should it be deemed necessary to remove all the swims from the course due to an unacceptable level of risk, a revised run-only sand course will become the official ‘swim’ course.

If the course is modified, the entry fee shall be non-refundable.

Weather-affected Cancellation

In the event of an event cancellation due to storm, rain, inclement weather, winds, or other Force Majeure conditions (Race Rules), or where government bodies mandate the event is not permitted to go ahead because of weather-impacted land and/or services, the entry fee shall be non-refundable.

In the unfortunate situation where due to safety cancellation is the only option, this will be communicated on the event social media page, press releases and email.

Unfortunately given the near 12 months of work to produce the event and multiple approvals and licences to run on the specific date, re-runs cannot occur and NO refund can be made.

WEATHER ADVICE

The event is planned to proceed at near all conditions, so be prepared with hot, wet to windy conditions – it’s summer but anything can happen.

Safety comes first and organisers reserve the right to change/modify or cancel an event distance on the day as per entry terms.

WATER QUALITY

Storms. Storm water run off may occur in the harbour. Given the large and free swell moving water it is generally of a very good to fair water quality level. Whilst rare, there is potential for poor water quality levels that may pose a higher risk to swimmers health. Water quality is monitored and advice provided if the event will proceed, or be modified.  Swimmers use own discretion on level of risk.

Swell – Wollongong harbour is typically sheltered from large swell though can be impacted by rough seas and winds. Normally flat to choppy.

Kids – Parents/guardians. Each year hundreds of kids take part and our finish rate is over 99% – and with a big smile. We place safety first, though please ensure your child can swim the required distance, and in open water. Parents with children U10 can follow alongside in the swim (back of pack) and support their child.

Other- In 25 years Aquathon has proceeded, though like any outdoor event unforeseen circumstances can occur. Organisers follow a strict risk management process and reserve the right to delay, stop, modify or cancel any event/distance for safety. This would be our last option.

Water safety?

Wollongong harbour offers a mostly very safe and protected venue for swimmers. Aquathon operates under a NSW Maritime exclusive water licence for the venue, along with a NSW Maritime craft and officer and a team of trained lifesavers.

Our record and reputation for swim safety is re-known.

Swim safety is extremely important and we pride ourselves on our water safety record, and professionalism and care of the water safety crew. Our lifesavers go all out to ensure swimmers, are monitored and supported.

It is imperative you acknowledge the risk with any outdoor sport event as swimming, the elements, marine life, water quality level, your medical health, the level of your fitness and other participants that will take part. Be prepared and join the fun.

Parents/Guardians

We do ask parents must ensure their child/ren can safely swim the distance without support. All children must listen to the swim manager, follow lifesaver decisions and wear the provided swim cap.

Whilst Wollongong Harbour is mostly protected though it can be exposed to winds, rain and is tidal. Lifesavers will determine the best course for safety and decide on most suitable swim course on event day.

Safety

Aquathon events are generally considered very safe and accessible for most children ages 7yrs+ with a little bit of preparation beforehand.

Since the start of Aquathon thousands have taken part, and each year hundreds of kids take part safely.

Organisers go to great lengths to ensure participant safety, though parents and children should ensure they are prepared, understand the event risks and practice before hand.

Make sure you are comfortable meeting the minimal swim distance of your event.?Parents are allowed to accompany/support their children for that are U10 years old.

Organisers have chosen Wollongong harbour and have introduced a number of safety precautions to make the event the safest it can possibly be.

Registration

Refer to registration FAQ

What happens at the Swim Start?

• Make your way to the sand with your swimmers, goggles, swim cap and timing chip on your left ankle
• Line up on the sand fin your age category flag. Listen to instructions.
• Listen to swim safety talk
• Swimmers wear bright swim caps – divided into age/gender/team colour groups
• The course is set with large visible markers
• Lead lifesaver will paddle the course to demonstrate
• Kids swim goes ~ 50/60m off shore, rectangle course
• Experienced lifesavers monitor the swim

Teams

• The swimmer lines up with the other team swimmers in the same way as individual participants.
• Tag Team runner should wait for the swimmer at the ‘Team Change Area’ as advised (TBC) either in the ‘Kids zone’ or on shore near swim exit stairs (based on tide)

Where does my child go after finishing the swim?

Once you finish the swim, you walk or run to the ‘Change Area’ or to your ‘tag team runner’ if a team participant.

Find your running shoes and pop them on. Leave your goggles and swim cap behind then make your way to the run course on the Blue Mile.

Where is the Kids run course?

The Kids Aqua run course is a 1km out and back (2km total) following the flat, wide ‘Blue Mile’ cycle path to North Beach and back – spectacular!!!?Once you reach the North Wollongong Surf Club, grab a drink of water then turn around and head back to the finish line. The course is well marked with on course marshals.

What if my child does not finish the swim?

Our success rate is over 98%! Kids are supported and encouraged the whole way…if though they are not up to the full swim,?THAT’S OK, simply exit the water and continue the event?(age awards will not apply).

Can I swim or run with my child?

• Yes, adults can swim or run with children under 10 to make them feel more comfortable and confident.
• Parents are to avoid interfering with other children
• NO parents inside the ‘Change Area’ unless your child is U10
• Parents are to take responsibility for their child once the event is completed.

Finish

• Cross the line under the finish arch
• Grab a medal – awesome work!
• Grab a drink
• Find your parents/guardian at the exit gate*
• Enjoy cheering everyone else, an celebrate the fun and achievement

What is an Aquathon  relay team?

It’s the same event as the Aquathon but double the fun- one is the swimmer, the other a runner, relay style.

Fees

Refer to fee schedule. Teams are priced per team (not per member) and only one licence fee per team applies.

How do you enter?

Refer to registration FAQ above

Where do relay team’s go?

Relay team swimmer begins on shore, runner waits in the ‘Change Area’ to tag swimmer.

Listen to announcer and refer site maps.

One time chip?

Each team has one velcro /timing strap/chip.

The velcro strap needs to be swapped from swimmer ankle to runner’s ankle, as a relay baton.

Tip: swimmer stand still, let runner do the swap from your ankle to their ankle.

Do we get two finisher medals?

Sure do! Make sure runner gets 2 x medals at finish line.

Do we get awards?

Yes for all aquathon events, except for the Mini Aquathon. Refer to tab above “Category Awards’ for team categories and applicable awards.

Read event day information

https://www.aquathon.com.au/event-day/

Read event day information

https://www.aquathon.com.au/event-day/

 100%!

We go all out each year for a cool design befitting of your awesome work.

Get yours at the finish line! Team/s make sure the runner picks up x 2 medals.

Prams: Fun Run / Aquathon: sure can, just be mindful of other participants and of the tight space during peak event times as the fun run start. Check the course map for road/cycle path and grass sections.

Kids and parents in the Fun Run or Aquathon

Fun Run- Yes, all participants must be registered. Families can run together or own their own.

Aquathon:

Kids Aquathon- 6,7,8 year old – Parent can run/join their child.

Kids Aquathon: 9 years and over, no. With safety in mind and fairness to all kids, parents are asked avoid running next to their child, but you can be a huge cheer squad at the finish line!

Long-Short-Mini- No, unless the parent has paid and doing the same event.

We are focused on your safety with an impeccable 25 year history of running safe events:

– on site first aid

– mobile first aid

– first responder emergency action plan

• With thanks to Wollongong City Council we have ample toilets.

There are four designated amenity blocks:

• Registration (aquathon) Old court house x 2 portables
• Main site: Belmore basin behind the cafe. LIMITED 2 x Stalls M/F
• Fish Cafe/Restaurant Car park- 6 x portables
• Osbourne park: 8 x stalls 

yes!

Space is allocated (first in) at Osbourne Park just across the road from the harbour main site. Self set up, pack dpwn ,must be weighted down, safe and secure.  No secuity on site.