Kiwi Kids Go Online For 2004 Weet-Bix Tryathlon
Kiwi kids wanting to register for the 2004 Weet-Bix Tryathlon series can for the first time ever enter online at http://www.weet-bix.co.nz, eliminating the usual entry requirement of supplying three tokens off specially marked Weet-Bix packs.
Sanitarium Health Food Company Senior Product Manager, Jeremy Dixon, said online registrations for the 2004 Weet-Bix
Tryathlon series are now open and following the event's huge popularity last year, those interested will need to enter
early to secure a place.
"Due to safety requirements and the huge growth in participant numbers last year [from 11,400 in 2002 to over 16,000 in
2003 - the biggest growth in the history of the eleven year series] all events in 2004 have been capped.
"This means that the maximum number of participants across all events is set at 16,800 so we expect them to fill up
quickly, and we encourage kids to enter as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss out." Next year, the Weet-Bix
Tryathlon will again be held in seven centres throughout New Zealand. These are Auckland, Napier, Christchurch, Nelson,
Dunedin, Tauranga and Wellington. However the event series line-up is slightly different this time with a special
one-off Weet-Bix Tryathlon being held in Queenstown this December which will form part of the opening ceremony of the
World Triathlon Championships.
Mr Dixon said a notable change to the 2004 event series is Sanitarium's decision to move the Taupo event to Napier.
Due to its inaugural success last year, organisers have also decided to continue holding two events in Auckland on the
same day - an a.m. and p.m. event.
"The Weet-Bix Tryathlon is a hugely popular, fun event that has become an annual highlight on the calendar of thousands
of New Zealand youngsters."
"Any child between the ages of 8-15 years can enter the Weet-Bix Tryathlon, regardless of ability," said Mr Dixon.
Participants can enter on their own - which means they swim, bike and run (in that order) - or as part of a team, which
means they complete one or two of the swim, bike or run legs of the event.
"Every child is a winner - it's not about coming first, it's about getting out, having a go and achieving a personal
best. Therefore, every tryathlete gets a medal on the day, and a certificate in the post after the event," said Mr
Dixon.
Sanitarium manages and funds the Weet-Bix Tryathlon, which is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of New Zealand
children and promoting the importance of regular exercise, coupled with a nutritious balanced diet.
One in four kiwis who eat breakfast choose Weet-Bix making it New Zealand's number one breakfast cereal. The iconic kiwi
brand this year celebrates 75 years of being a regular feature in New Zealand pantries.