Registrations open for Iron Māori Auckland

28 February 2017

Registrations open for Iron Māori Auckland

Registrations are now open for Iron Māori Auckland, a participation-focused quarter-triathlon event for all ages. Umupuia Maraetai will host the Auckland Iron Māori on 1 April 2017, beginning at 9am for tamariki and 10.30am for adults.

Iron Māori organisers say you don’t have to be Māori or an elite athlete to take part, and the event has categories for tamariki (5-9 and 10-12 year olds), rangatahi (13-18 year olds) and adults of all abilities, individually and in teams.

Iron Māori, a staple of the Hawke’s Bay sporting calendar for the last eight years, is continuing to grow in popularity and will be held in five locations around New Zealand in 2017 - Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Auckland, Wairarapa and Taupō.

“It’s about whakawhanaungatanga (participation) and completing rather than competing,” says Iron Māori founder and CEO Heather Skipworth.

“Last year was the first time we ran Iron Māori in Auckland and hundreds of people came for the pleasure of getting out and about, without the pressure of a high performance event,” she says.

This year is expected to be even busier, with adults able to choose between the quarter event – a one-kilometre swim, 40 kilometre cycle and 10 kilometre run – and longer walk/runs of five and 10 kilometres.

Rangatahi will swim 300 metres, then cycle 10 kilometres and run 2 kilometres.

Tamariki under 10 will swim 100 metres and run one kilometre, while 10-12 year olds will swim 200 metres and run two kilometres.

“We’re aiming to provide healthy outdoor pursuits that are fun and inclusive for Māori and all Aucklanders” says Heather.

The major sponsor of the Auckland Iron Māori is Auckland Council. Graham Pryor, General Manager Māori Responsiveness and Te Tiriti o Waitangi Relationships, says the sponsorship is part of an overarching council aim to encourage all Aucklanders to be more active, more often.

“We are proud to support the kaupapa of Iron Māori, which aims to support and encourage healthy lifestyles for whānau and the whole community,” he says.

Registration details are available at www.ironmaori.com.

Special training for new triathletes

He Oranga Poutama and Team Bros will be offering sessions for new triathletes at Maraetai (boat ramp end) every Sunday at 7am. The training will be bike and swim only.

Sessions will have a 20-kilometre option for newer cyclists and a 30-kilometre cycle for those more experienced. There will also be swims skills training offered for new ocean swimmers.

People interested in the training can contact organiser Kerrie Blackmoore at kerrie.blackmoore@sportwaitakere.co.nz.

ENDS

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