Shepparton will play host to the 2020 Victorian Aquathlon Championships next month in what will showcase some of the best swim and run athletes from around Victoria.
Hosted by the Shepparton Triathlon Club and sanctioned by Triathlon Victoria, the event will see competitors undertake continuous run and swim elements, a swim leg followed immediately by a run leg, over varying distances.
Previously a long course race before operating as an IRONMAN event, the Victorian Aquathlon Championships is a staple in the Goulburn Valley with a rich 20-year history.
Trent Hadfield, President of the Shepparton Triathlon Club, is delighted to see his club host the championships and crown another state champion.
“We are excited to host the Victorian Aquathlon Championships, this unique event gives participants an opportunity to try our sport in a different format and have a shot at being crowned state champion at the same time.”
The event will also serve as a warm-up for those competing at Challenge Shepparton in April at the Victoria Park Lake precinct, with participants able to test part of the course.
As a bonus, a bike course familiarization will follow the championships on March 8 at 8:00 am. Experienced ride leaders will guide riders through the course and identify areas to be aware of, including turn locations and potential windy sections. Ride groups will be approximately six in size and grouped by ability.
Grant Cosgriff, Executive Director for Triathlon Victoria, is delighted to see the state event return to regional Victoria.
“Triathlon Victoria is thrilled to stage the 2020 Aquathlon State Championships in partnership with the Shepparton Triathlon Club. The club has a strong history of community engagement and successful event delivery,” Cosgriff said
“There will be race distances to suit everyone, and for those racing at Challenge Shepparton in April, the club will offer a recon ride of the bike course on Sunday morning. This venue has great potential and will be important next season in the qualification for the 2021 Multisport World Championships in Townsville.”
Triathlon Victoria are also offering non-members a 2 week trial membership on race day. The trial membership removes the need for a One Day License at events post Shepparton and within the two-week trial period.
The Victorian Aquathlon Championships provides an opportunity for novice athletes to launch into multisport competition and for experienced triathletes to enjoy a different race routine.
The fastest overall course completion, including the time transitioning between each discipline, will determine the winner.
The Victorian State Series title is awarded to both individuals (State Series Award) and clubs/squads (State Series Shield) based on results from selected multisport events each season.
The Victorian Aquathlon Championships will be held on March 7, 2020. For further information about the event, please contact Shepparton Triathlon Club on 0439 386 849 or sheppartontriclub@gmail.com.
Course maps are available below:
