Know before you go - AdventureSmart

With the Hutt City Tri only days away now is the time to register for this family-friendly event.

Starting from Naenae Pool on Sunday 6 November the triathlon is open to ages 12 plus and attracts people of all levels of ability.

It features a 4km run/walk, 18km cycle and 300m swim.

Organiser Zoe Firth says more than 400 entered last year and she expects an even bigger turn out this year.

"The Hutt City Tri can be as relaxed or as competitive as people want it to be which is why it's so popular.

"It's a great way to start thinking about shaping up for summer or to have a bit of fun with friends, family or workmates by entering as a team. Plus there's a category for wheelchair competitors."

Check out our website www.huttcity.govt.nz to read the story of two local mothers who have taken up the challenge to complete this year's event.

Hutt City Tri forms are available at Hutt City swimming pools, libraries and cycle shops, or you can enter online at www.huttcitytri.co.nz and be in to win an iPad.

Mums Doing It For Themselves And Their Kids

Lower Hutt mothers Liz Whiteside and Antonia Haythornthwaite have taken up the challenge to compete in this year's Hutt City Tri on Sunday 6 November.

Liz Whiteside and Antonia HaythornthwaiteLower Hutt mothers Liz Whiteside and Antonia Haythornthwaite
(Photo: Hutt City Council)

The event features a 4km run/walk, 18km cycle and 300m swim.

The duo is looking forward to competing in their first triathlon as a team with Liz tackling the run and swim and Antonia set for the bike leg.

As a regular runner the 4km run stage doesn't faze Liz but the 300m swim is going to test her new swimming skills.

"Before deciding to enter the triathlon I couldn't swim but I didn't want that to stop us taking part.

"I taught myself to swim at Huia Pool by slowing building my skills until I could do a length.

"You get motivated once you've done it and after a while it becomes addictive."

Liz's advice to other mums thinking about competing in the Hutt City Tri is to "just give it a go".

"It's always good to have things like this on the calendar so you can forget the washing and concentrate on yourself!"

I hope it's going to be the start of more of these events for Antonia and I and it's great to show the kids how to be active."

Antonia is also keen to use her entry in the triathlon as an example to her children.

"Doing things like this that are challenging but not completely out of reach, which I think is a great lesson for our children.

"It's about setting yourself a bit of a challenge ... and leading by example"

For more information about the Hutt City Tri and registration visit www.huttcitytri.co.nz.