Auto&General Xtri 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Event Details
The Auto&General Cross Triathlon will take place on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at Steyn City.
A cross triathlon combines swimming, mountain biking, and trail running, all on off-road terrain.
- Super Sprint | 300 m Swim, 6 km Mountain Bike, 2 km Trail Run (minimum age 10 years)
- Sprint | 600 m Swim, 12 km Mountain Bike, 4 km Trail Run (minimum age 13 years)
- Standard | 1200 m Swim, 30 km Mountain Bike, 8 km Trail Run (minimum age 16 years)
Anyone can take part. The event is open to individual participants and relay teams of 2 or 3 members for the Sprint and Standard distance. Triathlon South Africa’s official age categories for the various distances are as follows:
- The Super Sprint distance is the official category for the 12 – 15 year-olds (must be 10+ to enter)
- The Sprint distance is the official category for the 16 – 18 year-olds (must be 13+ to enter)
- The Standard distance is the official category for the 18 year olds (must be 16+ to enter)
Yes. All athletes competing for the SA Cross Triathlon Championship title need to hold a valid Triathlon South Africa (TSA) licence.
- Super Sprint | 300 m Swim, 6 km Mountain Bike, 2 km Trail Run
- Official distance for the 12 – 15 year olds. (Must be 10+ to enter)
- Sprint | 600 m Swim, 12 km Mountain Bike, 4 km Trail Run
- Official distance for the 16 – 17 year olds. (Must be 13+ to enter)
- Standard | 1200 m Swim, 30 km Mountain Bike, 8 km Trail Run
- Official distance for the 18 year olds and older. (Must be 16+ to enter)
Absolutely! The Auto&General Cross Triathlon is designed to welcome both first-timers and seasoned athletes. Our beginner-friendly distances, clear signage, fun route, and supportive marshals make it easy to find your way through the course. You don’t need fancy gear to start—just a mountain bike, a swimsuit, running shoes, and a sense of adventure. Many participants do their very first triathlon with us, so you’ll be in good company!
We suggest that beginners enter for the Super Sprint: 300 m swim, 6 km bike & 2 km run.
Or enter as part of a 2 or 3-person relay team in the Sprint distance. This route is slightly longer at 600 m swim, 12 km bike and 4 km run, but each member of the team completes only one discipline.
Registration & Entries
Entries can be completed online via the official event entry portal The Auto&General Cross Triathlon 2026 | Howler
Entries close when capacity is reached or by 14 February 2026 (whichever comes first).
No late entries will be accepted on race day. We recommend entering early to secure your spot.
Yes, relay teams of 2 or 3 are welcome for the Sprint and Standard distances only. Minimum age for the sprint distance is 13 years and minimum age for the standard distance is 16 years.
Yes. To ensure safety and a quality race experience, entries are capped at 900 participants.
Race Day Logistics
Race start times will be communicated in the Race Guide and pre-race communications.
Designated parking will be available at Steyn City. Marshals will direct athletes and spectators.
Yes, spectators are welcome! Steyn City offers great viewing areas and the remainder of the day can be spent relaxing around the Lagoon.
Essential items include:
- Swim gear and goggles (swim cap compulsory)
- Mountain bike & helmet (compulsory)
- Running shoes and/or cycling shoes
- Race number and timing chip
- Water, nutrition, and sunscreen
- Swim gear and goggles (swim cap compulsory)
Race packs and timing chips can be collected at the registration area at the Steyn City Lagoon from 06:00 on race day.
Safety & Rules
Wetsuits are optional and depend on water temperature. The final decision will be made 30 min before the race.
Yes. No helmet, no ride.
A mountain bike is compulsory, as the bike leg is on off-road trails. Gravel bikes are not recommended.
Yes, strategically placed water/nutrition points will be available on the bike and run legs.
Full medical support, including paramedics, lifeguards, and an on-site medical team, will be available throughout the event.
You can view the complete set of race rules here Rules & Regulations – Auto&General Xtri
Yes. No cap, no swim. You will receive a complimentary swim cap in your race pack.
Registration Pack & Timing
Race packs and timing chips can be collected at the registration area at the Steyn City Lagoon from 06:00 on race day.
Your race number, timing chip and swim cap.
Electronic timing chips will be used. Results will be available online after the race.
General Information
Yes, podium finishers in various categories will receive prizes and/or prize money. Click here for the full breakdown Prize Money – Auto&General Xtri
Yes, food and refreshment vendors will be available at the venue.
Refunds will only be allowed at the discretion of the race director.
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions, unless participant safety is at risk. Any changes will be communicated immediately.
Please email the event office at info@crosstriathlon.co.za