Women’s health, well being and fashion will be celebrated at the Fresh Choice Women’s Bike Run Tri at Lake Hayes on March 5 when teams and individual athletes from around the South Island gather to compete in the popular annual exclusively female event.
Formerly the Southern Lakes Women's Duathlon and Triathlon the event has been rebranded to reflect its point of difference in the increasingly competitive local sports event market.
Director Pascale Lorre says as well as the traditional Lake Hayes duathlon and triathlon an 8.1km run around the Lake Hayes track is being added to the programme this year.
"We think there is strong demand for a run as part of the overall event and expect it will attract good interest in its debut year."
At the Lake Hayes Pavilion a key attraction will be the Salvation Army "designer gear" sale. High end clothing, shoes, hats, bags and other accessories will be sold with proceeds to the organisation.
"All the gear has been donated and some has never been worn," says Lorre. "This is an excellent opportunity for people involved in the event to support the Salvation Army and score some great bargains!"
The Queenstown Pilates Studio will run a warm-up session before the Bike Run Tri gets underway and there will be hairdressing and makeup demonstrations from Cutting Edge and Elysium.
"I am excited that we will be celebrating women in a number of different ways during the Bike Run Tri," says Lorre. "Queenstown has some very talented women and it is a great opportunity to highlight their involvement in the community."
Categories for both the triathlon and duathlon include individual and teams in open while the new 8.1km run is targeted at individuals.
The triathlon course includes a 300m swim or 2km kayak on Lake Hayes followed by a 15km bike ride on the Lake Hayes/Arrowtown road into Speargrass Flat road and return followed by a 5km run/walk on the Lake Hayes track to finish line at the Lake Hayes pavilion.
The duathlon begins with a 1.5km run on Lake Hayes track, follows the triathlon's 15km biking leg and concludes with a 5km run to the finish line.
The Bike Run Tri is being held for the 19th consecutive year and attracts both elite and recreational sportswomen.
"It is an ideal event for all levels of ability and in particular suits women who are entering their first event," says Lorre. "The teams category is also a great opportunity for friends or work colleagues to compete together in a relaxed environment."
A superior women's road bike, provided by Fresh Choice, will be presented on the day as a spot prize giving all competitors an equal chance to win it.
"The bike is just one of a number of fantastic prizes being supplied by our sponsors. We are indebted to them for their ongoing support for this high profile Southern Lakes women's event."
Entries can be made online at www.southerntraverse.com/womenstri.
