The South African Triathlon Championships is happening in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on the weekend of 6 & 7 April 2024
The Africa Triathlon Premium Cup, SA Champs Age Groups and Open races are all held over the Standard (Olympic) distance of 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run. The Provincial Champs and Open races are non drafting format while the star studded Elites race the spectator friendly draft legal format. The Junior and Para races are then held over the Sprint distance of 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.
Most seasoned athletes will remember the Inter Provincial Champs in PE in the 90's. It was the highlight of the season where athletes from all over SA converged on the city that boasts amazing beaches, great temperature, clean ocean and miles of open roads. Since then Ironman has hosted 20 years of international racing plus there are regular National Lifesaving Champs, Open water swim series, The Herald Cycle Tour, World 50km road running Championship and many more triathlon events. We like to call it 'sport elizabeth' - it's arguably our triathlon city which will again host the National Triathlon Champs, presented by Old Mutual Wealth and hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Now we get to watch our best elite triathletes battle it out against Olympic Games level athletes from all over the world, all chasing valuable qualifying points for Paris in July & August. Last year was a nail biting dice with local rising star Jamie Riddle coming out on top and our local ladies held their own against European and American stars. What a win - you get to race and then soak up the stoke of your favourite sport!
Our Triathlon mag team have attended most of these championships since the late 80's and always loved it! The racing is fast & furious among the prequalified TSA registered provincial athletes and the wide Open non qualified racers who race on the same course on Saturday. The lekker thing is that this distance racing will leave you energised to enjoy a beer soaked social afternoon before watching the Elite races featuring the who's-who on Sunday and the gees to squeak a tekkie together at the always fun after party at Barneys.
We have said it before, short distance triathlon is and should be the basis of any level or age triathlete's racing calendar. It's fast, fun and healthy -which makes it more sustainable than racing ultra distances regularly. These races wont drain your body or family life & career. If you build your form to race Sprint or Standard tri at full gas you will easily be able to add some mileage in key periods to race longer distances from time to time, without burn out and leaving the healthiest active lifestyle sport.
Amped? You may still be able to qualify to represent your region/province, so get in touch with yours to see if it's possible. Provincially selected athletes must register for the Championships through EasyReg https://www.easyreg.co.za/select_registration_type?event_id=386
Otherwise anyone can check out route maps and enter the Open race to enjoy this fun, action packed racing weekend, plus accommodation deals at City Lodge, right now, right here: https://www.zsports.co.za/africatri/event-entry
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Enjoy a photo gallery of scenes from the 2023 event and check out the schedule to see what's happening & when
SATURDAY 6th April 2024
06h50 Opening of Championships & National Anthem07h00 SA Paratriathlon Championships Start08h20 SA Triathlon Championships - Age Group Men Start08h20 SA AquaBike Championships - Men Start08h30 SA Triathlon Champs - Age Group Ladies Start08h30 SA AquaBike Championships - Ladies Start11h00 Future Stars Super-Sprint Start (open to the public)11h50 Junior African Cup - Boys Start12h40 Junior African Cup - Girls Start14h00 Medal Ceremonies SUNDAY 7th April 2024
10h00 National Anthem10h10 Elite Ladies Athlète Introduction10h30 Elite Ladies Start11h50 Elite Men Athlete Introduction12h00 Elite Men Start14h30 Medal Ceremonies - Elite Men & Ladies