A large field of women is expected to turn out for the annual Fresh Choice Southern Lakes Women's Triathlon and Duathlon at Lake Hayes later this month.
Race director Geoff Hunt said an ever-increasing demand for dedicated women's multisport events had led to an upsurge in interest this year, particularly after the addition of the duathlon.
"The duathlon, like the triathlon, gives women a chance to compete together as individuals or teams in an all-female environment, and we are definitely finding that this is a strong attraction, particularly for newcomers to multisport."
Women of all ages and levels could compete in the Fresh Choice-sponsored event.
Howard Nossiter, of Fresh Choice, said the company liked the concept of women being able to compete and achieve their individual goals without feeling they had to win.
A state-of-the-art women's bike, provided by Fresh Choice Queenstown, was the main prize and would be won as a spot prize, underlining the non-competitiveness of the event.
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, and concludes with a 5km run/walk on the Lake Hayes track.
The duathlon is a non-swimming event and begins with a 1.5km run on Lake Hayes Track, then follows the triathlon's 15km biking section and 5km run to the finish.
The event was in its 16th year, which Mr Hunt said reflected the strong reputation it had throughout the South Island.
"We are expecting a lot of competitors from outside the Southern Lakes because, on past experience, we have attracted groups of women from all over the South Island who like to enter the triathlon and have a weekend away with friends. It is all about camaraderie and teamwork."
The winner of the 2008 triathlon individual category was Andrea Elvines in 53min 30sec.
Tania Causer won the individual duathlon in 52min.
The business teams event in the triathlon was won by the Naylor Lovelies in 56min 47sec and the open teams section by the Deidre, Debbie, Georgia team in 56min 59sec.
The fastest duathlon team was Generation Gap in 50min 29sec.
The Fresh Choice Southern Lakes Women's Triathlon and Duathlon will be held on February 28.
For more information visit www.southerntraverse.com.
