Frequently Asked Questions...
The following questions have answers detailed below.
01. What is Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
Wairakei Estate Ironkidz is a Triathlon for kids aged 7 – 15 years of age, and a Splash & Dash event for 5 – 7 year olds.
It doesn’t matter if you have participated in Wairakei Estate Ironkidz before or not.
This event is all about trying your best and having a go!
First you do the Swim, then the bike, and finally the run. When you cross the finish line, we are there to give you a medal.
02. What are the distances I must swim, cycle and run?
Age Swim Cycle Run
Elite 300m 12km 3km
11-15 years 200m 8km 2km
7-10 years 100m 4km 1km
The distances for the non-elite categories are approximate – they may vary slightly with each location.
03. Who actually runs the event?
The Wairakei Estate Ironkidz committee is made up of parent volunteers from Waipahihi School. We run this event to encourage kids to give sport and physical activity a go.
04. How do I enter?
It is important to register ASAP, as places in all events are limited, this is particularly important for Splash and Dash as there are only 200 entries on a first in first served basis, and it is a popular event!
05. How old do I need to be to participate in Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
You need to be aged between 7 – 15 on the day of the triathlon event or between 5 – 7 for the Splash and Dash event. Lucky seven year olds get to choose.
06. What should I bring?
Your swimsuit and goggles
A towel – a brightly coloured towel will make it easier to find your bike in the transition area.
A bike and of course your helmet. You can get these checked at your local bike Shop. If you don’t have a bike, let us know and we will sort one out for you.
A good pair of running shoes.
Sun screen and a hat or cap
Warm clothes for after the event
Healthy snacks like fresh fruit and drinks for when you need some energy!
Why not make a day of your Wairakei Estate Ironkidz event? Ask mum, dad or your your carer to make a picnic lunch, and bring your whole family!
Most important of all have a positive attitude and a big smile for the photographers!
07. What should I do before the day?
Make sure your swimsuit is the right size so it won’t cause rubbing and chafing.
Test your goggles for leaking or scratches.
Get your bike checked over before the event. Elastic laces in your running shoes can make it much quicker to slip your shoes on.
Make sure your bag is packed the night before so you don’t have to worry about finding things on the morning of the event!
08. What should I do on the day?
It is important that you arrive on time. You must place your bike in the transition area between 7.30am - 8.45am. Allow plenty of time for this.
Make sure you stretch and warm up before the event.
Pay attention to the instructions and rules that will be given to you before the event in your safety briefing session.
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.
Lay out your biking / running gear by your bike.
9. Does it matter if I have not done Wairakei Estate Ironkidz before?
Not at all, Wairakei Estate Ironkidz is designed for you to learn about triathlons and to have lots of FUN! We explain everything you need to know and there are lots of people to help you on the day. It’s all about ‘giving it a go!’
10. Can kids share bikes?
Participants cannot share bikes during Wairakei Estate Ironkidz event. Each participant, including kids from the same family, must have his or her own bicycle. Sharing bikes can compromise safety and security.
11. Does Wairakei Estate Ironkidz have a Fair Play Policy?
Here at Wairakei Estate Ironkidz our emphasis is on participation and having fun while taking part in a triathlon. In order to ensure that all athletes walk away with the best experience we need to uphold a positive and supportive atmosphere at all times.
We encourage everyone both spectators and participants to abide by the principles of fair play; respect for the rules, act considerately and with courtesy, just and fair treatment for all participants, spectators and event volunteers alike.
We also encourage all spectators present on the day to be supportive of all the children that are out there trying their best to achieve their goals.
If there is any issue about the efficiency of our event, please report to any official and this will be addressed by the Event Coordinator.
12. What if my child has a medical or physical condition?
Please make sure our Wairakei Estate Ironkidz team know about it. We need to make sure that you will be safe on the day! We also recommend that any injury received during the course of the event, even if minor be checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. We have first aid people on site.
13. Is there a late fee?
A late entry fee of $10 will apply for entries received after Sunday 16th February.
14. Do you refund the entry fee?
No refunds but you can transfer your entry to another child or contact us for further options.
15. Should I eat before I come to Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
We suggest that you eat something light before the event. Perhaps a piece of fruit, an Up & Go (or similar), a piece of toast or some cereal should help to settle your tummy.
16. What if I have only ever swum in a pool? Will I be able to touch the bottom?
The swims will be very clearly marked with lots of lifesavers so there is no need to be scared. Unless you are in the Elite category, you will be able to touch the bottom. Elite will have a deep water start. If you are entering into the Elite category, you must be a competent swimmer as you will be swimming in deeper water. Others will easily be able to touch the bottom and rest if needed.
17. What happens after the event?
After you finish Wairakei Estate Ironkidz triathlon and you receive your medal and certificate, stay for prize giving. There will be loads of activities too!
There’s some of the basics out of the way… you’ll find everything else there is to know somewhere here on the site, or you can ask on our Facebook Page.
- What is Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
- What are the distances I must swim, cycle and run?
- Who actually runs the event?
- How do I enter?
- How old do I need to be to participate in Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
- What should I bring?
- What should I do before the day?
- What should I do on the day?
- Does it matter if I have not done Wairakei Estate Ironkidz before?
- Can kids share bikes?
- Does Wairakei Estate Ironkidz have a Fair Play Policy?
- What if my child has a medical or physical condition?
- Is there a late fee?
- Do you refund entry fee?
- Should I eat before I come to Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
- What if I have only ever swum in a pool?
- What happens after the event?
01. What is Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
Wairakei Estate Ironkidz is a Triathlon for kids aged 7 – 15 years of age, and a Splash & Dash event for 5 – 7 year olds.
It doesn’t matter if you have participated in Wairakei Estate Ironkidz before or not.
This event is all about trying your best and having a go!
First you do the Swim, then the bike, and finally the run. When you cross the finish line, we are there to give you a medal.
02. What are the distances I must swim, cycle and run?
Age Swim Cycle Run
Elite 300m 12km 3km
11-15 years 200m 8km 2km
7-10 years 100m 4km 1km
The distances for the non-elite categories are approximate – they may vary slightly with each location.
03. Who actually runs the event?
The Wairakei Estate Ironkidz committee is made up of parent volunteers from Waipahihi School. We run this event to encourage kids to give sport and physical activity a go.
04. How do I enter?
It is important to register ASAP, as places in all events are limited, this is particularly important for Splash and Dash as there are only 200 entries on a first in first served basis, and it is a popular event!
05. How old do I need to be to participate in Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
You need to be aged between 7 – 15 on the day of the triathlon event or between 5 – 7 for the Splash and Dash event. Lucky seven year olds get to choose.
06. What should I bring?
Your swimsuit and goggles
A towel – a brightly coloured towel will make it easier to find your bike in the transition area.
A bike and of course your helmet. You can get these checked at your local bike Shop. If you don’t have a bike, let us know and we will sort one out for you.
A good pair of running shoes.
Sun screen and a hat or cap
Warm clothes for after the event
Healthy snacks like fresh fruit and drinks for when you need some energy!
Why not make a day of your Wairakei Estate Ironkidz event? Ask mum, dad or your your carer to make a picnic lunch, and bring your whole family!
Most important of all have a positive attitude and a big smile for the photographers!
07. What should I do before the day?
Make sure your swimsuit is the right size so it won’t cause rubbing and chafing.
Test your goggles for leaking or scratches.
Get your bike checked over before the event. Elastic laces in your running shoes can make it much quicker to slip your shoes on.
Make sure your bag is packed the night before so you don’t have to worry about finding things on the morning of the event!
08. What should I do on the day?
It is important that you arrive on time. You must place your bike in the transition area between 7.30am - 8.45am. Allow plenty of time for this.
Make sure you stretch and warm up before the event.
Pay attention to the instructions and rules that will be given to you before the event in your safety briefing session.
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.
Lay out your biking / running gear by your bike.
9. Does it matter if I have not done Wairakei Estate Ironkidz before?
Not at all, Wairakei Estate Ironkidz is designed for you to learn about triathlons and to have lots of FUN! We explain everything you need to know and there are lots of people to help you on the day. It’s all about ‘giving it a go!’
10. Can kids share bikes?
Participants cannot share bikes during Wairakei Estate Ironkidz event. Each participant, including kids from the same family, must have his or her own bicycle. Sharing bikes can compromise safety and security.
11. Does Wairakei Estate Ironkidz have a Fair Play Policy?
Here at Wairakei Estate Ironkidz our emphasis is on participation and having fun while taking part in a triathlon. In order to ensure that all athletes walk away with the best experience we need to uphold a positive and supportive atmosphere at all times.
We encourage everyone both spectators and participants to abide by the principles of fair play; respect for the rules, act considerately and with courtesy, just and fair treatment for all participants, spectators and event volunteers alike.
We also encourage all spectators present on the day to be supportive of all the children that are out there trying their best to achieve their goals.
If there is any issue about the efficiency of our event, please report to any official and this will be addressed by the Event Coordinator.
12. What if my child has a medical or physical condition?
Please make sure our Wairakei Estate Ironkidz team know about it. We need to make sure that you will be safe on the day! We also recommend that any injury received during the course of the event, even if minor be checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. We have first aid people on site.
13. Is there a late fee?
A late entry fee of $10 will apply for entries received after Sunday 16th February.
14. Do you refund the entry fee?
No refunds but you can transfer your entry to another child or contact us for further options.
15. Should I eat before I come to Wairakei Estate Ironkidz?
We suggest that you eat something light before the event. Perhaps a piece of fruit, an Up & Go (or similar), a piece of toast or some cereal should help to settle your tummy.
16. What if I have only ever swum in a pool? Will I be able to touch the bottom?
The swims will be very clearly marked with lots of lifesavers so there is no need to be scared. Unless you are in the Elite category, you will be able to touch the bottom. Elite will have a deep water start. If you are entering into the Elite category, you must be a competent swimmer as you will be swimming in deeper water. Others will easily be able to touch the bottom and rest if needed.
17. What happens after the event?
After you finish Wairakei Estate Ironkidz triathlon and you receive your medal and certificate, stay for prize giving. There will be loads of activities too!
There’s some of the basics out of the way… you’ll find everything else there is to know somewhere here on the site, or you can ask on our Facebook Page.