Tri at Tikioki today

Saturday 25: The last workout before next weekend’s international triathlon event will be held at Tikioki today at 3pm.

The distances are an 800m swim, either an 8km or 16 km cycle and either a 2, 4 or 5km run.

Any visitors who have already arrived on Rarotonga for next weekend’s event are welcome to come along to today’s race.

Meanwhile a total of 52 overseas triathletes and close to 35 local athletes will be taking part in the international event scheduled for Saturday May 2.

Returning to defend his title is New Zealand gun triathlete Josh White who cleaned up last year’s competition.

Also returning to tackle the course is 2004 New Zealand Olympian Nathan Richmond.

The international triathlon will be staged at the Ngatangiia field. It will include a 1.5km swim in the Muri lagoon, a 41km cycle leg which will see athletes ride around the island including a loop of the hospital hill, and it will finish with a 10km run. Prior to the main triathlon event, the fun boiler swim to raise funds for a chosen charity, will be held on Thursday April 30.

On Monday May 4, the weekly Hash House Harriers run/walk will also include a traditional umukai for both local and international triathletes.

On Tuesday May 5, the annual Turtles Tour De Raro round island cycle will be held.

There is still a little bit of time for local athletes to register for the event with the Cook Islands Triathlon Association and join the fun. - MW