Nepean Triathlon
2021 event cancelled
1km
30km
10km
Entry Options
It’s iconic, it’s fast and a great event to challenge your mates. Join over 1,000 people to take on the race that has drawn athletes from all over the world for nearly 40 years.
Course Maps
The Nepean Triathlon offers one of the best venues in Australia to race a triathlon. The fast, flat and traffic free course has ample spectator opportunities and finishes in front of the main grandstand.
Course maps for 2020 (2021 course is yet to be defined)
Event Information (FAQs)
When is the Nepean Triathlon held?
The Nepean Triathlon starts from 6:45am on Sunday 25 October 2020.
When do entries open?
Early-bird entries open on 14 February with discounts available for all Nepean Triathlon entry options. Standard entry fees will apply from midday, 3 May. and a late entry fee applied after 18 October.
When do entries close?
Entries close on 21 October or until entries reach capacity. Entries for the Nepean Triathlon have filled up for the past 8 years. We encourage people to enter early to avoid disappointment
Do I have to be a member of Triathlon Australia to race?
It is not compulsory to join Triathlon Australia as a full member but this type of membership does provide full-year insurance cover 24/7 whilst training or competing as well as access to additional member benefits. A one-day race membership – ‘ODRM’ is compulsory if you are not a full member of TA as this is part of the TA sanctioning requirements for the event and provides you with public liability insurance for the actual race. If you are not a member of Triathlon Australia, the option to purchase a one day license will be available when registering for the Nepean Triathlon online. (Note: Internationals cannot join TA as a full member and can only be provided with a ODRM and therefore should take out separate travel insurance).
What does the one-day race license cover?
One-day race licenses DO NOT give competitors personal accident coverage. The public liability benefit contained therein benefits the race director only. Current members of Triathlon Australia are already covered so do not need to purchase a one-day race license.
What do I get as part of my entry to the event?
Apart from a well-run and affordable event in an awesome venue, all entrants will receive an event t-shirt, event towel, finishers medallion, downloadable finishers certificate and entry into the lucky draw prizes held at the presentation.
Can I get a refund of my entry if I withdraw?
Applications for a refund will be considered on a case by case basis prior to October 1 with the final decision on all refunds at the discretion of the race director. Please submit your request for a refund here. Refunded entries will be less $50. Refunds are not available after 1 October as all race infrastructure is put in place.
What prizemoney is available?
- 1st $1000
- 2nd $750
- 3rd $500
- 4th $400
- 5th $300
- 6th $200
- 7th $100
- 1st $1000
- 2nd $750
- 3rd $500
- Outright victory: $500
- Fastest Swim: $200
- Fastest Cyle: $200
- Fastest Run: $200
Can I transfer my entry to another event?
No, we don’t allow transfer of entries to another person.
Is there a waitlist if entries are full?
We do not hold a waitlist for entrants after this event has sold out.
Where can I read the full race rules?
Triathlon Australia Race Rules will apply to this event.
Where is the Nepean Triathlon held?
The Nepean Triathlon is held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Castlereagh Road, Penrith.
When does the race start?
The Nepean Triathlon starts at 6:45am on Sunday, 25 October 2020. All bikes must be in transition before this time. Please allow at least 45 minutes to walk to registration, pick up your race pack and place your bike in the bike compound.
What road closures are in place during the event?
Old Castlereagh Road is closed from 6:45 until 9:30am on race day (Sunday 25 October 2020). For access after 6.45am, spectators will be able to gain restricted access via the Whitewater Centre entrance road on McCarthy’s Lane. Please be aware that this will require walking across the bike course and spectators will need to give way to athletes at all times.
What parking is available?
Ample parking on the day will be provided within the Regatta Centre. Parking will be free of charge and parking officials will be in attendance. Access to the main parking area closes at 6:45am. Spectators arriving after this time will be directed to the Penrith Whitewater Park and will need to walk to the spectator area. Parked cars will not be able to leave the Regatta centre until the road opens at 9:30am.
Is food and drink available at the race venue?
Hot food, coffee and refreshments will be available at the Regatta café which will be open during the event.
When does registration open?
Registration will only be held from 5:30am on Sunday morning at the Regatta Centre. Race packs can be picked up from from 5:30am until 6:30am. Registration is in the large white marquee on your right just after you have crossed the bridge. Please allow time to walk from the carpark to registration before the 6:30 am cut-off.
What is in my race pack and what do I do with it?
- An envelope with your name, category and race number.
- A chest bib number that is compulsory to be worn during the cycle and run legs (optional in the swim).
- A computer timing chip to be worn on your left ankle.
- A bike sticker containing your race number to be affixed to the seat post on your bike. This is compulsory to be shown during the bike leg and also to retrieve your bike from compound at end of race.
- A helmet sticker containing your race number.
- Race swim cap. This is coloured to correspond with your age group wave start.
Is there any other event merchandise for sale?
- Event Towels $10
- Nepean Tri Trucker Hat $15
- Nepean tri Stubby Coolers $10
Where does the Nepean Triathlon start from?
The swim start is in front of the rowing finish tower near the triathlon finish line. Competitors in each wave will be directed into a designated swim compound where the compulsory race briefing by the Race Referee will be held prior to entry into the water. All swimmers must be behind the start line or the start will be delayed and a shrill whistle blast will start each leg.
What is the timing for the swim wave starts?
- Male Professional – 6:45am
- Female Professional – 6:47am
- Mates Wave, Teams & +70 age groups – 6:50am
- Male Under 30 – 7:00am
- Male 30-34 – 7:05am
- Male 35–44 7:10am
- Male 45-54 7:15am
- Male 55-69 7:20am
- Females – 7:25am
Are wetsuits permitted in the Nepean Triathlon?
The water temperature limit for the use of wetsuits is 22 degrees and a final water temperature reading will be taken by the Triathlon Australia Technical team 1 hour prior to race start and announced over the loudspeaker.
What if I get into difficulty on the swim?
Should you get into difficulty during the swim move to the closest shore or raise your arm for assistance.
Is there a swim evacuation plan?
Yes, In an emergency it may be necessary to evacuate the swim course after the event has commenced. Prior to the commencement of the event, all competitors and event staff shall be advised that the continuous blowing of whistles or horns is the signal that an emergency evacuation is in progress, this will be explained at the race briefing and mentioned via the event commentator. The announcement/ briefing will alert all competitors must immediately leave the course and proceed to the nearest safe shore.
If an emergency evacuation is necessary, the following protocols shall be observed: In a slowly developing emergency situation, such as the approach of an electrical storm, or deteriorating water conditions, the Swim Director shall, prior to conditions becoming dangerous to competitors and event staff, direct water safety personnel to continuously blow whistles or sound horns, which is the signal for all swimmers to leave the course immediately and proceed to the nearest safe shore.
In a rapidly developing emergency situation, such as the unauthorised approach of a vessel water safety personnel are empowered to immediately and continuously blow whistles or sound horns, which is the signal for all swimmers to leave the course immediately and proceed to the nearest safe shore. There is no requirement to seek approval from the Swim Director for this.
IRB personnel shall respond to the emergency in accordance with their training, which may involve continuously patrolling the course. At the completion of the emergency, the Race Director shall consult with the Swim Director and the Triathlon Australia Technical Delegate to determine if the event shall be postponed or cancelled.
When do I put my bike in the transition area/bike compound?
The bike compound opens at 5:30am and all competitors need to vacate the bike compound by 6:40am. When preparing to enter the bike compound before the race, please have you helmet on and fastened, your computer chip on your left ankle, your bike number on your bike, your helmet sticker on your helmet for inspection by the Technical Officials. Competitors are to keep their same position in the bike racks throughout the race.
Can I use a mountain bike for the cycle leg?
Due to the length of the cycle, mountain bikes are not suitable for the Nepean Triathlon.
Is the cycle course traffic free?
Yes, the cycle leg takes place within the regatta centre and public streets which will be closed to regular traffic during the race. However, a vehicle could inadvertently enter the bike course at any time. As such, all normal road rules apply at all times and cyclists should keep to the left. You must have your bike number sticker on your bike during the cycle leg – this rule will be officiated by the Technical officials.
Is drafting allowed on the cycle leg?
No, drafting on the cycle is not permitted and the draft distance is the standard 10 metres and will be enforced by Triathlon NSW Technical Officials present on the day. A Penalty Box will be situated just before you re-enter the Regatta Centre on the bike leg (14.5km AND 29.5km into the course) where you must go if you receive a blue or yellow card from a Technical Official on the cycle course.
Is there a bike mechanic at the event?
Panther Cycles will be available for any last-minute race day mechanical requirements and bike repairs.
When can I remove my bike from the transition area?
Your bike can not be removed from the bike compound until Triathlon NSW officials open the bike racks following the last competitor finishing the cycle leg, which is estimated to be 9:30am.
Are their drink stations on the run course?
There will be a three drink stops on each lap of the run course (making six stops in total) including Lemon Lime flavour Endura Rehydration Energy Fuel located at drink stop number 1 and 4. Water and Endura will also be available in the recovery area. Endura Rehydration Energy Fuel also contains Meta Mag® magnesium to help relieve muscular aches and pains.
Can I wear ear phones and listen to music during the run?
No. For safety, the following items are prohibited from use on the bicycle and run legs.
- Headphones or headsets
- Glass containers
- Phones or music players
When is the presentation held?
The presentation ceremony is held in the main grandstand shortly after the last competitor finishes. Awards will be provided to the overall winners and 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age group.
Are their lucky draw prizes?
Yes! There will be many lucky draw awards including a voucher from Panther Cycles.
When will results be available?
Chip timing bands will be used for timing. On race morning you will be issued with a computer timing band in your registration envelope which is to be placed on your left ankle. The timing chip is disposable and does not need to be returned at the end of the race. Results will be accessible on the this website within a few hours of the race including a downloadable finishers certificate.
Are event photos available?
A number of photos will be posted to the Nepean Triathlon facebook page during and after the event. We will update this question if we obtain an official race photographer for 2020.
How do I notify officials of any medical condition or allergy?
Should you have any medical condition or allergy that medical officials should be aware of, please write this information in the space provided on the back of your race number.
What if I have been sick before the event?
If you have been ill or have developed a medical issue leading up to the race, it is strongly advised that you do not participate. You have entered having regard for risks of competing and you are reminded of your acceptance of entry conditions, waiver release and indemnification of all officials, marshals and first aid officials in place at the event. Please note this acceptance is a legal part of the form and affects your rights.
What if I haven't had time to train for the event?
All competitors in the race have an obligation to have trained sufficiently to complete the race in a safe and competent manner and all competitors must complete the swim and cycle leg by 9:30am as Castlereagh Road will be opened to normal traffic at this time.
