Johannesburg, October 2022: Following an enormously successful inaugural event earlier this year, Steyn City is proud to announce the return of the Auto & General Cross Triathlon on Saturday 25 February 2023.
The launch of the event in February made news amongst South African athletes. “The event was warmly welcomed, especially as there tends to be a dearth of such events in Gauteng – which means that local athletes incur significant costs travelling to national races,” comments Giuseppe Plumari, CEO of Steyn City Properties. “We realised that, with our 2 000 acres of indigenous parkland and outstanding amenities – including the requisite facilities for a 600m swim, 35km cycle and 7km run – our award winning parkland residence is perfectly placed to add to the annual sporting calendar.”
Plumari explains that while the swim takes the form of a double lap in Steyn City’s 300m lagoon, the cycle race route is laid out along the development’s 50km MTB track, and a portion of Steyn City’s 45km flood lit promenade has been set aside for the run.
While the Auto & General Cross Triathlon is an ideal challenge for serious solo athletes, the format of the event also allows for corporate entries. It’s also possible to enter as a team, with team members deciding which of the race legs (swim, run or cycle) they would like to complete. This means that you can take part in a discipline where you have a particular strength – like swimming, perhaps – while other team members give their all in the leg that best suits them.
What’s more, half distances have been added to this year’s event, making it possible to swim 300m, take part in a 20km offroad cycle and 3,5km run. “This makes the triathlon accessible to more people, including those who are just starting their triathlon careers,” Plumari points out. “We’re also hoping that the shorter distances may encourage participation from families, as these distances can easily be conquered by children aged 12 and older.” Plumari notes that this speaks to the family-centric lifestyle that is so much a part of Steyn City.
“Auto & General is delighted to once again be part of the event as title sponsor,” says Ricardo Coetzee, Head of, Auto & General Insurance, “the inaugural Auto & General Cross Triathlon was a spectacular success, and it promises to be even better in 2023. If you are looking for an unparalleled, world-class experience, this is it.”
Entries for the Auto & General Cross Triathlon open on 17 October, with early bird rates of R950 per solo offered to the first entrants.