Vegan Triathlon 2009
Well done for everyone who participated in the Vegan Triathlon on 22 February 2009!
Watch the slideshow of this awesome event:
...or click on this photo to see all photos individually:
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| Vegan Triathlon 2009 |
Triathlon review from Anna
For the fifth year in a row, we had a beautiful day for the vegan triathlon, although the wind came up as we were putting up the gazebo, and papers were flying everywhere. This also made it a challenge on the return leg of the bike ride (the outward leg was wonderful by contrast) but it was nowhere near as hot as last year and overall quite pleasant. By 1pm the transition point was all organised, the signage had been put up for the run and we were waiting for the first volunteers and participants to arrive. As one of the organisers of the event, I was initially disappointed with the turnout, but allowing for the fact that there were 10 or 11 new participants, overall it wasn't too bad.
We were lucky to have the 50m pool this year so at 3pm, 24 contestants dived/jumped in and we were off. Participants swam three, six or twelve lengths of the pool to complete 150m, 300m or 600m, before setting off on the cycle leg. This was 10 or 16km, depending on how keen you were. Finally the run (walk for some) was 1.5km, 3km or 4.5 km, as contestants did one, two or three laps of Ascot Green. The last participant (me!) passed the finish flag at 4.50pm. A special mention should be made of a number of children who did the big tri this year - there were some 7, 8 and 9 year old participants which is pretty amazing.
The children's event started an hour earlier this year at 3.30pm so the kids didn't have to hang around. The children competed in a bike/run around the cones and many felt the need to do this several times! We then crossed to the field where we had races between the goal posts and races to find our shoes etc. The funniest part was definitely when Liam (age 4) informed me "I beat your daughter" - my daughter is 7 and was not amused! The older children then proceeded to run around the field (1.5 km I believe) several times, which made me feel totally exhausted - and I was just watching! The children were brilliant, energetic, good sports - typical vegetarian/vegan children really. It was a huge success, if I do say so myself.
We would like to thank the usual suspects; the volunteers who were fantastic as usual; Mark, from Avatar Web Promotions, without whose generous donation the tri would not have been possible; the spot prize donors, and most importantly, all the participants! Thanks to Nichola and Yolanda, my co-organiser and our consultant. Exactly how Yolanda did it all by herself for the last 4 years is beyond me - Nichola and I were overstressed doing it together, and we had each other for support!
This year, tri sponsorships made $400-$500 for Cat Rescue. Sacha is a one of the original participants of the tri, one of the few who have competed in all 5 events so far, and does a wonderful job for the cats, in addition to her day job. Dinner at Krishna's Cafe (formerly known as Govinda's) was a very enjoyable event, with yummy pizza, salad and dessert for all, and chips instead of pizza for the kids. We laughed and chatted, chilled out and enjoyed our meals. I was ravenous!
I'm still on a buzz after that marvellous day and so glad I helped make it happen. It really helps give a sense of community, and I hope it can continue in years to come.
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Pre-triathlon information:
Date: Sunday 22 February.
Time: 3pm (arrive at 1.30pm for registration)
Location: QE11 Park, Burwood, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Registration: $20
(all participants must register before 8 February).
Listen in!
Eric Wolff interviews Yolanda Soryl, Christchurch Vegetarian Centre Coordinator about the upcoming triathlon.
http://www.accessradio.org.nz/animal_rights_and_wrongs.html
Requirements:
All participants will be expected to have been vegan for a minimum of six weeks before the triathlon. Please note that the definition of vegan is 'someone who excludes all animal products from their diet'.We hope participants will collect sponsorships for their efforts for the Cat Rescue group which is led by long time Vegan Triathlon participant Sacha Dowell. CLICK HERE to download a sponsorship form.
Registration
Email us (info at vegantriathlon.org.nz) to register for the 2009 triathlon and for planning updates. CLICK HERE to download a copy of the 2009 registration form.
Late registration costs (after 8th Feb)
There will be a late registration fee of $5 making the total registration fee $25 for those registering after 8th February.
Tee-shirt info
Only participants and volunteers for the triathlon are permitted to order the official Vegan Triathlon t-shirt. T-shirts need to be ordered in advance of the event and must be worn on the day for the photographs before the event and preferably for the cycle and running events. If you do not have a t-shirt, we will loan one to you for the photograph. The t-shirt can be ordered via the following link: T-shirt order form
Post-tri dinner
The popular post-tri dinner will be held again at the Krishna café (Govinda's) for participating triathletes and supporters.Time: Arrive between 6-6.30pm
Date: Sunday 22 February (after the tri)
Place: Krishna café, 602 Colombo Street (near Colombo/St Asaph Street corners), Christchurch.
Menu: Regular vegan pizza, salad and chips + dessert.
Cost: $18 per person.
Note: Numbers are limited for the dinner so booking is essential. Bookings must be made by Sunday 15th February. Please contact Anna at (info at vegantriathlon.org.nz) for bookings.
Sponsors
The organisers of the Vegan Triathlon would like to acknowledge Avatar Web Promotions for their generous donation towards the costs of the 2009 event. Thank you!
Photos
Pictures and reports from the 2009 triathlon will be posted on this page after the event. Watch this space.