A triathlon that was created as a fun activity for competitive families has become so successful, it is now in its 25th year.
Now known as the Nature’s Valley Trust Triathlon, the event will once again take place in Plettenberg Bay on December 22.
Entries open on Friday.
The event, in the past, has seen up to 220 participants arrive in the Garden Route town yearly to take part in the triathlon — and it has become so popular, organisers have had to cap it at 250 entries for safety reasons.
It has had a significant impact on the town’s economy due to the influx of visitors.
Established by the Walker family who used to holiday in Nature’s Valley for more than 30 years, event co-ordinator Megan de Ley said it gave holidaymakers an opportunity to participate in a fun yet healthy “mini” triathlon suitable for the whole family.
“It is a good break from all the activities leading up to Christmas Day,” De Ley said.
The triathlon kicks off at the end of Lagoon Drive, at the entrance to the beach in Nature’s Valley.
Participants will start with a swim of 400m, followed by a 12km cycle for the longer course, and 7km for the under-15s short course.
Image: Supplied
For the final, leg everyone will run 3km along the beach, finishing off again at the starting point.
What makes the triathlon unique is that participants will get to enjoy the lagoon, natural surroundings and breathtaking beach views in the background.
Nature’s Valley is situated just 35km from the Plettenberg Bay central area, and is known for its exotic views and incredible hiking trails among the ancient forests and beautiful beaches.
Single participant entries cost R350, while a team of three can enter for R700.
People who enter on the day will be charged an extra R50.
Children under eight years need to be accompanied by an adult.
The entry form can be completed on www.entryninja.com, with registration on the day to take place between 6am and 7am.
After the event, there will be prizegiving back at the starting point, together with a raffle for a luxurious stay for two at The Bungalow in Plett.
All proceeds from the triathlon are filtered back into the Nature’s Valley Trust, a community-driven nonprofit which focuses on conservation in SA.
The critical conservancy work it does relies heavily on donations and contributions.
“Their conservation efforts are tangible and impactful, ranging from habitat restoration projects to community engagement activities,” De Ley said.
“By actively preserving and enhancing natural habitats, they ensure a sustainable future for Nature’s Valley and its inhabitants.”
The trust operates in four main arenas — conservation, education, community engagement and applied research.
“They take a holistic view of people and the environment, and use their seven different programmes to help shape how people should live,” she said.
“Funds raised through the Nature’s Valley Trust Triathlon contribute proactively to conserving the ecological integrity of the valley and the surrounding area.”
