How do you I enter MMJ Aquathon?

Registrations  available at aquathon.com.au Click the links within and you will be directed to registernow.com.au an online and safe entry portal.

ENTER HERE

Entry fees and terms

Refer to Event Info page for full breakdown of entry fees, and terms.

Does entry include personal insurance?

Everyone who races at the Event will have a level of insurance either as an annual Standard (or Premium) member of Triathlon Australia or as a Triathlon Australia One Day License holder. IMPORTANT: This may not cover personal medical / accident cover. You will need to discuss your personal insurance questions with Triathlon Australia and/or have private medical insurance.

To become a member of Triathlon Australia visit their website at www.triathlon.org.au

There are many benefits including connection with your local club, qualified coaches and insurance for all your training and racing.

To find your local club, click here.

One Day Licence

If you are not a Triathlon Australia Member for the season in which you are racing, you will need a One Day License.

This will be a small subsidised fee as $1 for Funrun and Mini and Kids Aqua, $2 Short Aqua and $3.50 Long Aquathon per individual or team same fee.

One Day Licenses are automatically added to your entry at time of purchase if you do not enter a valid Triathlon Australia number at an additional cost.

One Day Licence (ODL) ensures they are covered by an appropriate level of insurance while they are participating at events. Triathlon Australia has provided Aquathon entrants with reduced one day fees and part of the fee goes to supporting the running of triathlon and multisport events in Australia.

Can Teams Enter?

Absolutely.

Fun Run- enter as group and all take part, no need to enter differently, just enter yourself/family/friends and join in the event together.

Aquathon- Teams are made up of a two people, where one is the swimmer and the other a runner, relay style. You complete the same course as individuals.

The entry fee is ‘per team’ not per person.

When completing your registration, you will be asked if you are registering as an individual or team. During online registration select the “create a team option”, than select a team name and fill in the form. One form per team.

Category divisions apply for teams.  Refer to each event page.

Both team members receive entry and medals.

What if I need to cancel or cannot make it on event day?

Registration is partly refundable under strict terms. Refer to event refund and cancellation policy.

Can I swap my entry?

You cannot swap an individual entry as this waivers your registration. On request a swap of entry can occur within 7 days of event proceeding for a fee of $20. Teams can swap a swimmer or runner at no cost but must notify event organisers in writing.

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

-Proceed as normal

– Proceed under a amended or modified courses or

– Event Cancellation and no re-run.

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 work to produce the event and licences to run on the specific date, re-runs cannot occur and NO refund can be made.

Severe Weather events –  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.

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.  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 23 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 reknown.

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 impertative 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.

2022 KIDS GUIDE

Aquathon program (Long Aqua)

Aquathons are fun, safe, achievable and a great all-round workout. You don’t need any fancy equipment or to be part of a club to participate. Aquathons are the perfect entry to the sport of triathlon or simply a great fitness challenge no matter your sports background.

Getting Started:

Allow 3-6 weeks for short events and 5+ weeks preparation for longer and beginners.?Base your training program on your level of experience and event goal – race or fun event. Seek out expert advice or local swim/ triathlon/run club who offers training sessions.

Get a friends involved or work group and practice together for motivation.?Select appropriate goggles, swim wear, and practice and get comfortable

Two weeks out try running after you have been swimming – this will get your legs used to switching from swimming to running?Consider elastic laces to make putting on shoes after the swim easier

Don’t forget your nutrition, stretching, and adding some strength work

Swim Tips:

For novice swimmer, try and get a few swim lessons it really helps.?Consider an open water beginners group, triathlon or running club to assist.

Get the feel for open water swimming – start with ocean/rock pool, and move to flat water or safe surf/beach venue.?Seek advice from friends whom are familiar with open water swimming or local expert advice, local swim coaches, surf/ triathlon clubs or services as Oceanfit in Sydney.

A great workout can be multiple shorter swim (pool or open water) and run. Wetsuits may be a good option to assist for an easier (and warmer) swim.?Build up to be able to get past the distance you have entered.

Tips for preparing your child for Aquathon

• Make sure your child is capable of swimming and running/walking the required distance
• Base the event on fun, participation and supporting your child’s efforts
• Get your child used to ‘open water swimming’ – take them to an ocean pool, beach, lake or harbour
• Visit Wollongong harbour as a family and jump in the water to get them familiar with the venue
• Walk or run the course – bring the family or the dog and make a morning out of it!
• Talk positively about the event in the days leading up – encourage your child and let them know you will be there supporting them every step of the way
• Think of the event as 3 components: the swim, getting changed into your joggers and the run!
• Encourage friends and family to also enter so your child will see familiar faces (remember there is a 20% discount for family members!)
• Practice using the swimmers, goggles and runners that will be worn on event day – so that your child will be comfortable on event day
• Watch the Event Video on our website so your child can see what event day looks like

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
• Refresment 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 (Kids/Mini turn), Short / Long / Run pass on way out and way back

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.

Photography

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

Official finish line photography: tbc

Partner & Stalls onsite with give away’s

MMJ- Horizon Bank – Peoplecare

Prize Draws

Major prizes tba

Diggies Cafe – Treetops Adventure Park Nowra – Skydive the Beach – Jamberoo Action Park – R21 Fitness

Age and Team Awards

• Age podium medals and select prizes
• Team podium medals and select prizes
• 1st outright Long Aqua special cash / prizes

Cliff road is closed from George’s place to harbour street.

Ample parking on other sections of cliff road, harbour street, marine parade, and endeavour drive, parking bays near lighthouse, north beach main car park and city streets

ALLOW AMPLE TIME

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’s  relay team?

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

Same distance/event as individuals.

Fees

Refer to fee schedule. Teams are priced per team (not per member)

How do you enter?

Enter via the online registration, and select ‘create’a team option.

• Select a team name.
• Select your distance
• Enter team details
• Payment

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

Do we get two time chips?

NO. The velcro strap needs to be swapped from swimmer ankle to runner’s ankle. Like a relay baton. Tip: swimmer stand still, let runner do the swap from your ankle to thier 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 category winner. Each distance (except MINI,) has team categories. Some are gender/age based and some mix/open gender/age based. Teams are awarded medals as per each event award category page.

Terms and Conditions

 Personal belongings – With limited storage, please aim to limit your personal belongings or have a friend watch your gear.

Storage- unfortunately there is no onsite capacity for storage apart from on standard public areas

Lost and found- Please check in with Wollongong City Council and/or event organisers after the event.

Waste- Please keep plastics, waste to a minimum. Onsite waste bins

Cafe- onsite Levendi, North Kiosk and Diggies (1km. north), Boat Harbour cafe across road (Osborne park), Aqua Cafe 500m up cliff road, City Beach Cafe (400m south), Harbour Cafe (Bombora) and Fish and Chips (200m) and city and others all within 200m-1km walk.