Pipiriki triathlon

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 32, 27 January 1987, Page 16

Pipiriki triathlon

Human endurance will be put to the ultimate test this year during Labour Weekend 24-26 October, in the form of a 300km triathlon. Competitors will run, cycle and canoe from the volcanic plateau to the coast. The 2-day super fitness triathlon is being organised to celebrate the centenary of New Zealand's oldest national park — Tongariro, to be held this year. The initial reconnaissance and planning of the event is already complete and organisers have now to finalise the official name of the triathlon, which will ultimately be in accordanc? with the events' major sponsor — the name of the sponsor is yet to be released. The 300km takes in both mountainous terrain and river. Competitors will begin at the Top of The Bruce carpark at Whakap-

apa and will finish their journey at Castlecliff, in Wanganui, taking in the oldest national park. Tongariro and the newest — Whanganui. Day One — Competitors will run 20km cross country over rugged and swampy terrain to National Park, followed by 74km cycling, through Taumarunui to Ohinepa on the Wanganui River and then 35km canoeing to Whakahoro. Day Two — A gruelling 87km canoeing section to Pipiriki, followed by a 30km run to a location North of Koroniti on the River Road; topped off with 54km cycling along Anzac Parade, across the Dublin Street Bridge and down Taupo Quay/Heads Road. The fastest times are expected to be gained by the competing teams, rather than the individual racers.