Rotorua Half Ironman

Location Blue Lake, Rotorua.

Website http:://www.half.co.nz/

Type Half Ironman Triathlon.

Distances 2 km swim, 90 km cycle, 21.1 km run.

Time of Year December

Goodie Bag Reasonably light, but has an awesome cycle shirt. This will possibly change from 2010 as the event becomes entirely charity oriented.

Course refreshments Water at the 30 km point, and water and Heed at the 60 km points on the cycle. (Standard bottle swap). Water and Heed and cookies!!! at aid stations on the run which are encountered around 8 times on the run.

Post-race refreshments Water, Heed, and beer.

Post race details Throw your weary body into the cold waters of the Blue Lake to aid recovery.

Prizegiving Takes place around 2.30 in the afternoon. Reasonably decent prizes including wet suits and soft toys. Average number of spot prizes.

Finisher's medal Yes.

Competed in 2009 and 2010.

Details
Bike can be racked on the morning of the event.

Tri boxes are allowed - the transition area is quite large.

Swim - The Blue Lake is not as clear as expected, and the bottom can only be seen a few metres from shore. The course markings can be difficult to see and it is very easy to stray from the course. Best to note a tall landmark prior to the start and make for that. Women start later then men, so if you are a slow male swimmer, expect to be swum over by female competitors.

Cycle - 10 metre drafting rule is enforced. The cycle route starts with a long hill, then fast downhill to Rotorua. The course is reasonably flat to Hell's Gate, then is hilly to the lakes. Around the lakes is pretty fast, but the return hill just short of Hell;s Gate is a killer. Flat again into Rotorua, then another killer of a hill to the Blue Lake. The last km is fast and downhill. Motor traffic is usually pretty light.

Run - About half of the run is off-road and in the shade, but watch for tree roots. The first part winds around the Blue Lake getting steadily steeper. Then down towards Lake Tarawera, before a hot section out to the Gun Club and back. Along the road to the Lake Tarawera lookout point, before returning to the Blue Lake for one last lap of it. The off-road nature of the course makes it easier on the soles of the feet, but the hilliness can be deceptive. The cookies at the aid stations are wonderful and should be consumed at every opportunity.

The event will be entirely a charity event from 2010. Race entry can be free if enough sponsorship is raised.

Make sure that suntan lotion is applied. You will need it as this traditionally gets very hot weather.

Overall, a very good course which is extremely scenic, but one of the tougher half Ironman courses. Wear the cycle shirt with pride after completing this one.