Johannesburg, December 2024
Exciting news for participants in the Auto&General Cross Triathlon 2025: this year, thanks to a collaboration with Triathlon SA, top triathletes will qualify as SA Cross Triathlon Champs at the 2025 event.
“The Auto&General Cross Triathlon established itself as a highlight on South Africa’s athletic calendar when it was first launched four years ago. At the time, the event stood out as one of the few triathlons in Gauteng, making it more accessible for amateur and professional enthusiasts alike,” says Alex Terblanché, CEO of Auto&General Insurance.
The event, which takes place at Steyn City, has evolved since inception, and it now offers something for everyone – from serious athletes to weekend warriors.
First, event organisers made it possible for individuals to enter as a team so that participants could enjoy the fun with family, friends or colleagues, with members choosing the discipline of their choice. For example, while one entrant completes the swimming challenge, another could take part in the cycle or run. Next, to make the triathlon more family-friendly, more categories were introduced, so that children aged 12 and over could participate. The result is a race that presents a challenge for people of all fitness levels and different ages.
Distance options
Participants now have a variety of distance options to choose from:
Standard Distance – Individual (18 years and older): 1200m Swim, 30km Cycle, 8km Run – Entry fee: R1200.00
The most exciting change to the Auto&General Cross Triathlon is the news that the event is now aligned with Triathlon SA, so that leading registered triathletes in all age race categories will qualify as SA Cross Triathlon Champs. Athletes must be in possession of a valid TSA licence to take part. This event is ideal for experienced competitors and amateurs alike, who wish to test their PB (please note that the registered triathletes’ race will set off two hours after the amateur event).
Sprint Distance – Individual (16 years and older) : 500m Swim, 12km Bike, 4km Run – Entry Fee: R850.00
This challenge strikes the balance between a testing challenge and pushing one’s abilities to a new edge, making it a great choice for athletes who wish to improve their competitive skills or who are stepping up from shorter challenges. To be eligible for the SA Cross Triathlon Champs, participants must be between 16 and 18 years old and must have a valid TSA licence. Participants older than 16 are welcome to enter this distance.
Super Sprint Distance – Individual (10 years and older) : 250m Swim, 6km Bike, 2km Run – Entry fee: R600
An excellent introduction to the sport, this distance is perfect for allowing young athletes to build their skills and confidence in a supportive environment. Participants for the SA Cross Triathlon Champs must be aged between 12 and 15 years old and have a valid TSA licence.
Team Challenge – Entrants must be 16 years and older
- Full Distance – Team of Two: 1200m swim, 30km bike, 8km run – Entry R1500 (per team)
- Full Distance – Team of Three: 1200m swim, 30km bike, 8km run – Entry R1500 (per team)
Set for Success
Steyn City Properties CEO Steven Louw says that he is both pleased and proud of the success of the event. “It is has grown beyond what we imagined: Triathlon SA’s sanction is a wonderful endorsement, while the increase in the number of participants is also proof of the popularity of the event – next year’s triathlon will have an additional 100 entrants bringing the total to 900 entries.”
Steyn City is the ideal environment for such an event, he points out, thanks to the diversity of facilities on offer and its family conducive environment. The presence of the 300m lagoon, 50km MTB track and 45km floodlit promenade on site are a case in point; but are just a small part of a host of amenities (including an 18-hole Nicklaus design Championship golf course, equestrian centre, fitness centres, racquet courts, indoor aquatic centre and children’s play nodes) that have entrenched the estate amongst South Africa’s most enviable addresses.
“Once again, Auto&General is delighted to be associated with this event. We have been thrilled with the success of past events, and can’t wait to see more people shine this year,” concludes Terblanché.
The Auto&General Cross Triathlon takes place on Saturday 15 February 2025.
For entry details register here.