Frequently Answered Questions

1. What is the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon?

The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is for kids aged 7 - 15 years of age.

It doesn't matter if you have participated in the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon before or not. The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is all about trying your best and having a go! There are no place-getters in the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, as the event is non-competitive and designed to encourage participation.

First you do the Swim Leg, then the Cycle Leg, and finally the Run, either as an Individual, or as part of a Team. When you cross the line, we are there to give you a medal to celebrate your achievement.

If you'd like to find out more about what the event will be like on the day, you can read about past participants' experience or take a look at our Orientation videos These will give you a good idea of what a Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is like.

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2. How much does it cost?

There are a number of ways that you can get a discount on your entry fee. For more on this, see our Event information page.

Please note: Terms and Conditions apply to these discounts.

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3. How do I enter?

It is important to register early, as places in all events are limited. Some events, particularly our St Heliers and Christchurch events, fill up quickly. You can register online and pay by either credit card or Direct Credit.

It is important to register early, as places in all events are limited. Some events fill up quickly. You can register online and pay by either credit card or Direct Credit.

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4. What is MyTry?

Each Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon participant will sign-up for a MyTry account when registering for their first event. MyTry is a personalised log-in area for each Tryathlete, which enables you to review events entered and easily enter additional events, record how much training you have done, download your photos from the event, and transfer events, amongst other things.

Each Tryathlete needs to have their own MyTry account to be able to do all of the above, and MyTry accounts from previous years' Tryathlons are able to be used in this years' as well as future series.

Should you have any queries on this, please Contact us.

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5. Is there a limit to how many kids can enter the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon?

Yes. At each event there are limited places for Health and Safety Reasons, so you will need to get in and register early! Some of our events reach capacity long before event entries close, so it pays to register as early as possible to secure your place. To see how many places are still left in each event, please see the relevant event venue page.

Click here to register now.

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6. When do entries close? Can I enter on the day?

The cut-off for all entries is Midday two days before event day, or when the event reaches capacity (whichever is first). For a Sunday event, this is Midday on the Friday before race day (unless the event reaches capacity first). For a Wednesday event, this is Midday on the Monday before race day (unless the event reaches capacity first).

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7. Can an event be cancelled?

Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon events may be altered due to poor weather, but are rarely cancelled (except in extreme circumstances). Safety is always our top priority, and all race-related decisions will be made on this basis. Please see our Wet Weather Policy for more information.

Should an event be modified, we will update the website. The current event status is available on our Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon homepage; please take a look the night before the event to get the most current information on event status.

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8. Can I withdraw from an event?

Withdrawing from an event is at the Event Manager's discretion, and a refund is not automatically awarded. Before entering an event, please ensure you are familiar with our Refund policy. Due to the administration involved, a $10 Administration fee will be deducted from any refunds awarded.

You may instead choose to transfer to a different event within the same series (the same calendar year); due to the administration involved, there is a $3 charge to transfer to another event.

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9. Is my child with special needs able to participate in the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon?

We encourage children of all abilities to take part, and in most cases, can accommodate special requirements. Please contact us for more information and details.

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10. Who supports the event?

We have fantastic sponsors who support the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon to make the experience possible for all Tryathletes. We also have celebrities with us at many events, who encourage and inspire our Tryathletes.

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11. Who actually runs the event?

Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing Company runs this event to encourage kids to give sport and physical activity a go. The event started in 1992.

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12. How do I download photos from the event?

If you chose the Registration photo option at the time of entering the event, you will be able to download your photos by logging into MyTry. (These will be available to you approximately 7 to 10 days after the event).

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13. What's a TRYathlete Kit?

All TRYathlete Kits will be available on the day of the event at the Administration and TRYathlete Kit tent and contain your Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon t-shirt, swim cap and race number. Please ensure you arrive with sufficient time to pick this up before Race Briefing. Alternatively, when you register, you can opt to have this couriered to you for an additional charge, provided you register 14 days or more before your event.

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14. What are the distances I must swim, cycle and run?

Distances are approximate and may vary slightly with each location.

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15. What equipment do I need to have to take part?

Since the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon consists of Swimming, Biking and Running, you will need the following equipment on the day:

• Swimming suit
• Bike
• Helmet
• Closed-in Running shoes
• Socks
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Towel
• Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon TRYathlete Kit (available on the day of the event)

For a full list of the equipment we recommend you bring to an event, please see our Pre-Event checklist.

If you are missing essential equipment that will enable you to take part, you may be eligible for assistance from the Weet-Bix Tryathlon Foundation. Please click here to find out more.

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16. What's a Bike Safety Check?

Prior to the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, it is strongly recommended you have your bike and helmet safety checked at your local Avanti bike store.

In order to avoid a last minute rush, and to ensure that you have time to complete any necessary repairs for safety reasons, we recommend Tryathletes have their bikes checked between 3 and 6 weeks prior to the event.

The Avanti store checking your bike and helmet for the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon will do so according to the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Bike and Helmet Safety Checklist. Click here to see this ahead of getting your bike checked. For a list of stores where you can have your free bike safety check, please click here.

All participants who have their bike safety checked will go into the draw* to win an Avanti Black Thunder or one of 10 Weet-Bix Merchandise Packs.

* Bike will be drawn on Monday 9^th April 2012 at Santarium Head Office.

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17. How do I know when I'm going to start the event?

Our Race Director will make an announcement.Participants start in groups based on their swim cap colour, which vary based on age and whether you have entered the event in a Team or as an Individual. Click here to confirm your swim cap colour, or check out our Event race order.

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18. If I am 10 years old, can I go into the 11-15 group to participate in a longer distance?

There are guidelines set for distances that children can participate in triathlons based on their age. If an older child wishes to participate in the shorter distance then we are happy to accommodate this, however in the case of younger children participating in the longer distance, this is at the discretion of the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Race Director. Please contact us in either of these cases.

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19. If I enter as part of a Team, will I receive a medal?

Most definitely. All Tryathletes receive a medal.

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20. Can someone help me during the event?

You can have your family or friends assist you to help set up your bike and gear in the Transition Area before the event. But don't worry, there will be lots of friendly volunteer event marshals that will help you along the way whenever you need them. However it is important to remember that for Health and Safety reasons, bikes are unable to be removed from the Transition Area until after prize-giving has finished, as the Transition Area constitutes part of the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon race course.

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21. Who are the event Marshals?

All event Marshals are volunteers, who give-up their time to ensure that all Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon participants have a safe and enjoyable experience.

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21. What should I do before the day?

Please take a look at our Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon pre-event checklist to ensure you are well-prepared for the day. As well as eating good healthy food and drinking adequate water, we also recommend you follow the Try.Tr@iner programme to ensure you are ready for the event. Log-in to MyTry to take a look.

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22. What should I do on the day?

• It is important that you arrive at the event venue on time. You will need to collect your race pack from the Administration tent and rack your bike in the Transition Area before Race Briefing. Allow plenty of time for this.
• When you drop your bike off in the Transition Area, make sure you lay out your Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon race t-shirt and your towel on your bike, and place your running shoes on the ground close to your bike so you can reach them easily. You'll also need to ensure your helmet is on your handlebars.
• Make sure your race number is written on your arm and leg so our photographers can identify you. Vivids are available for you to use on the poles of our merchandise tent.
• Make sure you stretch and warm up before the event; we'll walk you through this at Race Briefing.
• Ensure you're SunSmart and have loads of sunscreen on before your race.
• Ensure you pay attention to the instructions of our Race Director at Race Briefing; this will ensure you know everything you need to for the event.
• Keep drinking water throughout the day to make sure you don't get dehydrated.
• Familiarise yourself with the Transition Area and all exits and entries.
• Ensure you bring sufficient snacks along to the event, and have a snack during the morning. This will ensure you have enough energy when it's race time.
• Most of all, have fun!

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23. Should I eat before I come to the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon?

We suggest that you eat something light before the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon. Perhaps a piece of fruit, an Up & Go®, a piece of toast or some Weet-Bix®.

Alternatively, we will have the Weet-Bix Breakfast Challenge available for you on the day.

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24. What time do I need to arrive?

The venue will open approximately 2 hours before your race begins to allow everyone to get bikes into the Transition Area before the Race Briefing. To confirm what time the Administration and TRYathlete Kit tent opens, please see the relevant event venue page.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to park, pick up your TRYathlete Kit, drop-off your gear and relax before starting the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon. Keep in mind that at some events it may be difficult to find a parking space. Allow at least a half-hour for putting your bike into the Transition Area, and also about 30 minutes to pick up your TRYathlete Kit from the Administration and TRYathlete Kit tent.

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25. What time will the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon event finish?

Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon events generally last for 3-4 hours; however all indications of timing at events are approximate only. Please bring sunscreen, a hat and a picnic and enjoy the day.

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26. What's the Transition Area?

The Transition Area is organised according to swim cap colour. Bikes will need to be lined up with the flag matching your swim cap colour and your additional equipment kept to the side of your bike. For a map of the Transition Area, please see the relevant event venue page.

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27. When can I remove my bike from the Transition Area?

Once your bike and required gear has been placed in the Transition Area prior to the event, except in the course of your race, you will not be able to access your equipment until after Prize-giving has been completed. The Transition Area constitutes part of the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon race course, and as such, anyone other than race participants currently racing is not permitted during the event. Marshals will be unable to make exceptions to this.

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28. What if I have only ever swum in a pool? Will I be able to touch the bottom in a beach swim?

The swim section of the event will be very clearly marked with lots of lifesavers so there is no need to be worried about it. All ocean swims are conducted parallel to the beach, so you will never be far from land.

For all events, the swim will take place in water that is no more than 2 meters deep, and in most cases, is much shallower than this. We have a large number of lifeguards there to look out for you. Some of these lifeguards will stand at the side of the pool or on the shore and some of these lifeguards will be based in the water for the entire event. This is to make sure that we always have a lifeguard on hand for our Tryathletes should they require assistance. For more information on the swim leg, please see the relevant event venue page.

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29. Can participants share bikes?

Participants cannot share bikes during the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon event. Each participant, including children from the same family, must have his or her own bicycle. Sharing bikes can compromise safety.

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30. Do I have to wear shoes during the bike leg? What about the run?

For the bike leg, you will not be allowed out of the Transition Area without both your shoes on and a properly fastened helmet. This is for the safety of all our Tryathletes. For health and safety reasons, shoes are also compulsory for the run.

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31. What happens after the event? Can I get my bike from the Transition Area?

After you finish your Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon and you receive your medal, you will have time to check out some of other activities, such as the All Blacks Tryalist Stadium and the goodies for sale before Prize-giving. At Prize-giving, we give away bikes, helmets and merchandise packs, so make sure you're there, with your race number on hand. Competitors not on site are unable to claim any prizes they may win.

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32. What if I get lost?

It's a good idea at the beginning of the day to organise with your family and friends a special spot to meet up if you get separated. At each of the events, our Administration tent will be a 'Meeting point'. Just ask one of the friendly Crew members in red t-shirts to point you in the right direction.

It helps our volunteers greatly if participants or other children on-site on the day have a parents' or family members' mobile number written on their arm so our 'Meeting point' team can quickly make contact.

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