A grassroots event that has been a stepping stone in the careers of many New Zealand triathletes celebrates its own milestone this weekend.
The Eves Blue Lake Multisport Festival, which is organised by the Rotorua Association of Triathletes, is marking its 25th anniversary with a bumper field of entrants, including past "Kings of the Lake" and some of New Zealand's top triathletes.
Bryan Rhodes, a former two time King of the Lake and a multiple Ironman winner, is among the elite field. He will be toeing the start line of the Cycle Zone Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, along with fellow Ironman Kieran Doe.
Michael Poole, who last year won the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman, is also on the start list, along with Rotorua triathlete Sam Osborne - a member of the Triathlon NZ high performance squad, 2009 King of the Lake Owen Miller of Tauranga, and 2010 King of the Lake Cameron Todd, of Taupo.
The Eves Blue Lake Multisport Festival comprises five events across Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30.
The King and Queen of the Lake titles are awarded to the top male and female competitors finishing in the Physiotherapy Clinic Aquathon, Events & Venues Open Water Swim and the Cycle Zone Sprint Triathlon.
The sprint triathlon sold out in December after cycling legend Lance Armstrong announced he would make his triathlon comeback at the event. While a knee injury led him to pull out and cancel his participation, entry numbers remain just as strong.
Event organiser Charlotte Pearson said entry numbers remained high with many triathletes wanting to be a part of the Blue Lake celebrations.
''The 2011 Blue Lake Multisport Festival is going to be special as we celebrate our 25th anniversary - that special factor was always going to be there, with or without Lance Armstrong,'' Ms Pearson said.
''We are pleased to welcome back those who have been participating since the very start, as well as those who have gone on to achieve much more in triathlon. This event means a lot to us. We're excited to celebrate its 25th anniversary and we anticipate many more years of the Blue Lake Multisport Festival.''
As well as the three key events there are also two shorter events to allow all members of the community to get involved. These are a 750m swim held in conjunction with the 2km open water race, and the Classic Hits 5.5km fun run, held at the same time as the triathlon.
''The Blue Lake Multisport Festival has always been one of the hidden gems of the annual triathlon calendar, loved by everyone who has ever been involved,'' Ms Pearson said.
''It is run by volunteers with a love for the sport and who want to put on events for their local community.
''Once you've raced the Blue Lake Multisport Festival you just keep coming back. The Blue Lake in Rotorua is an absolutely stunning location for an event like this - we are so lucky that it is our training playground every day, and we want to share that experience with everyone else who has entered.''
For further information and entry details about the event, go to http://www.rats.org.nz/795/eves-blue-lake-multisport-festival-2011-%E2%80%93-25th-anniversary/.
