Aquathon bigger, better

WOLLONGONG’S biggest summer fitness event is heading for a milestone next year.

The 2008 Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon is the tenth instalment of the race and is expected to attract between 800 and 1000 participants on Saturday, January 26.

An institution of the region’s summer sporting schedule, the Aquathon involves a swim in Wollongong Harbour before a run or ‘tagging’ to a teammate to complete the journey.

In 2008 there will be three distances to choose from – the Kidz mini (200m swim, 2km run), short (400m swim, 3km run) and the long course (800m swim, 7km run).

“The Aquathon is an amazing event that allows first timers who are just keen to get active and challenge themselves to rub shoulders with some of the countries’ fittest athletes,” event direct Rob Battoccchio said.

The Kidz mini course is open to children under 12 while the short and long courses are open to children from 12 years up to veteran athletes.

There are teams categories for juniors, opens, masters, corporate and parent and child teams.

Entry for the Kidz mini course is $24 for individual athletes and $30 for teams.

Adults are charged $30 or $36 depending on whether will run the short or long course while team entry is $42.

Entry fees include insurance, barrel ticket draws, sponsor prizes and a free Eyeline Australia Day logo cap.

To enter, visit www.ada.kemblajoggers.org.au and follow the links for online entry or download the entry form.

Late entries will also be accepted on the day at the race venue.

Mr Battocchio is also calling on 2008 entrants to ‘aquathon for charity’ in 2008.

“Just download the sponsorship form at our website and get friends, families, work to pledge an amount to sponsor your participation,” he said.

“Then after the aquathon mail back to the all proceeds from this initiative, which will go to Anglicare Illawarra.”

For more information call event director Rob Battocchio on 4226 4754.