Athletes to converge on city
The annual Benalla Triathlon is right around the corner.
Lake Benalla is set to host the triathlon on Saturday, December 29, with three races scheduled — sprint distance, short course and kids try-athlon.
Competitors are expected to assemble in Benalla from around the state and across the border, and the Benalla Triathlon Club is encouraging local businesses, clubs and schools to enter as teams or individuals.
‘‘This year there will be a local business, local sporting club and local school perpetual trophy up for grabs, as well as the glory,’’ Benalla Tri Club president Jim Moll said.
This year’s event will be held in the afternoon with the Short Course race getting under way at 3 pm,
Kids Try-Athlon at 4 pm and Sprint Distance at 5 pm, followed by presentations on the lake foreshore at 7 pm.
Individual or team competitors complete their own leg of the race, either a 750 metre swim down Lake Benalla, 20 km bike leg on Kilfeera Rd or a flat 5 km run around Lake Benalla.
Podium finishers will score points, as well as anyone who enters a race for their business, club or school, with the teams with the most points at the end of the day walking away with the trophy.
The Kids Try-Athlon is a noncompetitive event for kids aged between seven to 12 and includes a 50m swim along the edge of Lake Benalla, 2 km cycle on a closed course and 500 m run around the lake track.
‘‘This event has been designed to provide budding triathletes an opportunity to try out the sport in a fun and safe way under adult supervision,’’ Moll said.
Kids can enter as an individual or a team of three, with all finishers receiving a prize.
To enter a race as an individual or team you can go to the clubs’ website www.benallatriclub.com.au Entries will also be taken on race-day at the Library from midday.
●Course maps, categories, times and entry details are all available via www.benallatriclub.com.au or you can keep an eye on the Benalla Triathlon Club Facebook page for regular updates.