The Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon

The Event

2009 will be the 11th running of the ever popular Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon. The event is the Illawarra's premier summer community fitness event and proudly grown Australia's largest of its type. With a wonderful reputation for its unique appeal, scenic and safe courses, friendly and carnival like atmosphere, magic location, attraction for all ages and standards, professional organization, and valued entry its easy to see why the Aquathon has become so popular.

The Aquathon is an event based on participation and fun, and attracts hundreds of first timers, to the more serious participants. The event follows a swim (safe enclosed within Wollongong harbour), and run (flat scenic coastline cycle way/reserve) and can be completed individually or in a tag team (swimmer + runner) format. Entrants receive valued entry with race entry, insurance, event services, huge prize and barrel draws, sponsors give away's and much more.

Participants can also chose to 'Aquathon' for charity and assist in raising funds for our chosen charity Anglicare Illawarra division or secondary charities as....

All entrant standards and ages are catered for with participants able to chose from:

• KIDZ MINI: 200m swim + 2km Run (U10 and U12 Individual and teams)
• SHORT : 400m swim + 3km Run (U15 to 60 years+ and many team categories)
• LONG : 900m swim + 7km Run (U20 to 60 years+ and many team categories)

(see course description for full details)

Come celebrate Australia Day in an active way, help support our chosen charity, and enjoy the challenge of this fun event.

When Is the Aquathon Held?

Australia Day: 26th January each year. 2009 date: Monday 26th January public holiday.

Where Is the Event Held?

Wollongong Harbour - Located at Belmore Basin, Cliff Road, North Wollongong. Only 80km south of Sydney and less than 60 minutes from the South Coast, Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands.

Wollongong Harbour is central to the City and located between main North Beach and City Beach and only 500m from the City Centre.

On site there is ample nearby parking, facilities and the foreshore road is traffic free, as the main road is transformed into a fantastic Australia Day festival, with food stalls, kids rides, concerts, art display, and much more ... full details can be located at www.tourismwollongong.com.au

Accommodation

Wollongong has a diverse mix of available accommodation for all standards, more information can be found at www.tourismwollongong.com.au

OFFICIAL ACCOMODATION SPONSOR - QUEST WOLLONGONG: www.questapartments.com.au and inquire about exclusive discounted rates for Quest Wollongong/Cronulla for participants.

Never Been In An 'Aquathon' Before?

The Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon is famous for embracing all standards, with many a first timer mixing it with seasoned athletes, and all in between making for a unique and friendly event.

See our AQUATHON 101 for comprehensive details on participating in an Aquathon - it's safe, fun and achievable for all!

Read more about this great event ...

Spectacular Courses ...

The Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon is famous for it's spectacular location, scenic and safe courses. The swim is held in the enclosed safe waters of Wollongong harbour and the run section follows a flat cycle way/reserve along the coastline and magic beaches with excellent spectator viewing.

Competitor Safety ...

Safety is a key priority and we are proud of our long major incident free history. The event site is chosen for its appeal and safety. The swim is typically smooth waters within enclosed section of Wollongong harbour with volunteer lifeguards monitoring the water. The change area is sectioned off for entrants only, with runners taking to the flat scenic road free courses that follow coastline. Cycle way and reserve make up the run section. Run course marshals and warning signs throughout the course, with finish line and roving first aid officers onsite. Courses chosen are attainable for each age group and swim section is divided into age grouping and often male/female split for additional safety measures. Water stations and easy to follow well marked routes ensure your safety is paramount. Entry fees include participant insurance.

Our safety record is impeccable and one that we strive for each year.

Participant Services

• Entrant Pack - Insurance, Event Services, Entry to post event barrel draw, Eyeline Swim Cap, Refreshments and Sponsors Goodies.
• Post event refreshment with water, fruits and more...
• Onsite amenities, café, public PA, special guest appearances and much more..
• Fantastic Awards Ceremony with over $6000 winner trophies, prizes and huge barrel draw.
• Entertainment, stalls, food, concerts, fire works, displays, all part of Australia Day Celebrations at Wollongong Harbour

Trophies, Prizes, and More

• Over $6000 of prizes, and barrel draws!
• Individual winner prizes: trophy and sponsor prize
• Trophies for placegetters
• Team Category Winners MEDALS
• Outright LONG Course Male and Female winners $150 CASH + Sponsors Prize

Huge Post-Event Barrel Draw ...

• Accommodation Packages - QUEST WOLLONGONG
• Travelscene Travel Vouchers
• Local fine dining café/restaurant vouchers
• Gymnasium membership
• Sporting Goods
• Kids' Prizes
• and much more ... ALL WHO PARTICIPATE GO IN THE DRAW

SPECIAL BARREL DRAW: PRE ENTRANTS go in the draw for TRAVELSCENE ACCOMMODATION Voucher & QUEST ACCOMMODATION Voucher ($200 value)!!!! Entries must be accepted prior to 18th January 2009.

Charity Support ...

'The Australia Day Illawarra Aquathon has a proud reputation for supporting local non-for-profit organisations and charities with over $22,000 provided to date. Our chosen charity for 2009 is ANGLICARE with instant and charity fund raising initiatives. In 2009 you can also nominate to raise funds for..... See 'Aquathon for Charity' page for donation information.

... Local Services

Accommodation, Cafes, Shopping and More ...

Wollongong City is a beautiful coastal town, situated on the South Coast of New South Wales, and only 60 minutes South of Sydney City. Wollongong is a vibrant city, with a host of tourist attractions as the Sea Cliff Bridge, Light house and harbour precint, Minamurra rain forest, Stanwell tops, over 13 magic beaches, and fantastic cafes, restaurants, great shopping, entertainment, ample accommodation and many other tourist attractiona. For more information please visit the Tourism Wollongong website ... www.tourismwollongong.com.au...

Stay on for Australia Day Festivities ...

Wollongong City hosts its annual Australia Day Festivities at Wollongong Harbour each year. After the Aquathon you can enjoy a day of fun, with stalls, food, kids rides, entertainment, concerts, fireworks, boat races and much more. It's one of, if not regional NSW largest and best Australia Day carnival...