Nepean Triathlon – Australia's oldest triathlon

 

People have been asking me for several weeks to write a bit of an introduction. I must admit that I have found it hard to sit down and type about myself but here it goes.

I’m honoured to be the next custodian of the Nepean Triathlon and thank Long term Race organisers, Warwick Brennan, Gordon Bell, Steve Payne and Jenni Payne who have handed over the reigns, but kindly stuck around to help me get through this first year. It will be great to see them all on the start line in 2018 having all given between 10-25 years to running the race.

I was introduced to triathlon as a competitor about 12 years ago. Having manned an aid station on the old course as a junior cricketer for emu plains cricket club in the 90’s, I grew up wanting to do this race. I’ve only missed one in the last 10 years after the birth of twin girls 2 years ago. I still remember my first Nepean, the camaraderie in training with some of my best mates and racing them on the day. I know for a huge chunk of the field, the Nepean will be their ‘A race’ for the season, maybe their first triathlon even. It is easy to take for granted the fact that this race is the oldest triathlon in Australia and one of the countries most iconic triathlon events. You only have to look at the list of former winners. There are not many ‘names’ missing!

For those first timers, be warned-This race has proven the gateway to longer races for many. Having done five iron distance races since my first Nepean, I still remember how ridiculous it seemed to call a race a ‘sprint’, when it had a ‘massive’ 750m swim.

Having been president of Panthers Tri Club for 3 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to see things from behind the scenes but still remain in awe at the scaling and costings of this event. Please know (and remember) that this event is a not-for-profit, community run event. All people organising the weekend are volunteers and are doing this on top of full time jobs. The event this year has attracted over sixty thousand dollars in community based sponsorship and a government grant. It’s only because of this, that we are able to keep the race as affordable as it is. Please have a good look at the sponsors list and make sure that you support them with your custom, wherever possible.

Please be patient with me this year and forgive me if I make an error somewhere. Drop me an email and give me some constructive feedback after the race. If I have stuffed up somehow and can fix it, I will. I’ve had many sleepless nights over things like quantities and sizings for the event shirts. I know how ripped off you can feel when you get an ordinary size. What I never appreciated before, was that the shirt had to be ordered 20 weeks before I had even entered the race. Like everyone, I’m keeping my fingers crossed on sizing this year. Preference will be given to those who entered earliest. Maybe people can take this into consideration next year and enter early, reducing the game of semi-educated calculations.

Please ensure that everyone is thankful and respectful towards the large group of volunteers that will run the weekend. Know that collectively, several hundred hours of preparation are going into a race for people that will last somewhere between 30 and 180minutes, depending on the distance they are completing.

Enjoy your last 3 weeks of preparation. I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable race and thank you for your support for this year’s Nepean Triathlon Weekend.

Cheers,
Joey

Chris Joseph
Nepean Triathlon Race Director

With just over two weeks to the Nepean Weekend of Triathlon just some things to take note of leading into the event.

Entries still open!
We still have space in the Nepean Triathlon and Enticer 3, however Enticer 1 & 2 are full. Entries close for all events on Wednesday, 19 October.

Race Instructions
A comprehensive race instructions for both Nepean and the Enticers will be emailed to all competitors during the week leading up to the race weekend.

Health Information
Should you have any health issues or allergies that a medical professional should be aware of, please complete details in the section provided on the back of your race chest number. Chest numbers will be in your registration pack collected at the venue prior to the event.

Sydney is the ultimate outdoor playground
One of the best ways to enjoy Sydney’s stunning natural attractions is on a coastal trail or by picnicking in a harbourside park. Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or jog along the promenade at Bondi Beach. Sydney Harbour itself is a gateway to a world of natural attractions where you can navigate your way around the inner-harbour islands by ferry, or hire a kayak and paddle your way to a secluded harbour beach where you can swim and snorkel. Read more >

OnePointHealth joins the First Aid team
Sponsor One Point health will be providing Professional allied health staff to assist in pre race strapping race strapping and padding and post race injury assessment. The OnePointHealth team will be located in two areas, next to the First Aid medical hut and also in the recovery centre where post race massage is also on offer. Please approach the OnePointHealth team for any needs pre or post race. OnePointHealth is the premier health location in Western Sydney and located in Penrith CBD.

Entries Filling Quick
Enticer Race 1 and Enticer Race 2 are now full. We are still taking entries for Enticer Race 3 and the Nepean Triathlon. You must have entered by the end of the month to have your  first name printed on your chest number. Enter here >

Confirmed Entrant Listings
A reminder that the Confirmed Entrants have been posted on the website. Please check your age category or if you have entered the ‘Mates Wave’. Those entered in ‘Mates Wave’ are not eligible for age group awards.

Course maps
All courses are now on the race website including the slightly revised Nepean cycle course. View course maps >

Nepean Legends
All four race legends who have completed in all 34 Nepeans have entered for our 35th anniversary race. This has to be a world record competing the same triathlon for 34 years without missing a race!

 

Training preparations
For those wanting to fine tune their preparation for the race weekend, Atmosphere Health & Fitness has a purpose built cycle and run studio utulising Copmutrainer resistance trainers and Ergvideo ride software as well as Technogym state of the art treadmills.

Within the main building there as 4 lane 50m pool with seven squad sessions offered per week as well as unlimited access to the pool throughout business hours 7 days per week.

There are a further 6 training areas for strength work, Yoga, Pilates and general fitness classes on offer throughout the week as part of your one membership package.

For further information contact the team at Atmosphere via email info@atmospherefitness.com.au

When: Saturday 22 October 2016
Time: 1:15pm – 3:15pm (in preparation for a 4pm race start)
Location: Sydney International Regatta Centre
Cost: $40 +GST
Enter: Enter your child online or contact Julie on 0405 631 593 or via email at trystars@nsw.triathlon.org.au