Newton Lake Hood Half Marathon

Entries have opened for the South Island’s most popular Half Ironman and the Lake Hood Half Marathon, and organisers are expecting the event to be one of the biggest on record.

Triathletes and runners will flock from around the South Island and New Zealand on Saturday 20th November to participate in the events set in the picturesque rural community of Lake Hood in mid-Canterbury, only 70 minutes from Christchurch.

“With individual and team categories available in the sprint distance triathlon (650m swim, 30km ride and 7km run), Half Ironman (1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21 km run), and a 21.1km Half Marathon for runners and walkers, there is literally something for everyone, regardless of your fitness level,” said Peter O’Brien, Event Director of both events which are only 10 minutes from Ashburton.

“Running and triathlon events nationwide are experiencing surging levels of popularity around the world and the country – for the first time ever, the full distance Ironman event in Taupo has reached capacity and other Half Ironman events are tracking well,” he continued.

“Entrants return year after year to the South Island Half Ironman – the course is challenging yet achievable and in a picturesque setting with the swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Hood,” said Mr O’Brien.

“Both the sprint distance triathlon and the Half Ironman can be entered by teams – the distances of the individual disciplines are realistic and achievable and a suitable goal for school teams or groups of friends or colleagues,” he continued.

“The Lake Hood Half Ironman costs only $145 for an individual and $175 for a team and the sprint distance triathlon costs $50 for solo entrants and $65 for teams, making it one of the best value-for-money events of its type in the country.”

Following its popular debut last year, the Half Marathon has welcomed new naming rights sponsor Newton Shoes onboard and organisers expect the 21.1km event to continue to grow.

“With winter well and truly here, it is a great time to set a goal to train towards over the colder months - running or walking a Half Marathon is an achievable goal for most people,” said Mr O’Brien who recommends the 10 week Race Team training programme which starts in Christchurch on September 12th. 2010. More information about the training programme is available at http://www.raceteam.co.nz/Race_Team.html

Participants complete three laps of the scenic Lake Hood circuit and will relish the relaxed atmosphere and scenic environment.

The start and finish area for both the Newton Lake Hood Half Marathon and the triathlons is at the Lake House bar and restaurant on the water’s edge adding to the event’s atmosphere.

Early bird entries before November 12, 2010 cost only $45 with an additional $15 charge after November 13th.

For further event information or to enter online, please go to www.cisport.co.nz

Event listed by clarep

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