About us

The fun triathlon for 7 to 15 year olds.  You can enter as an individual or team and there is an Elite section for those more competitive 10 to 15 year olds. We also offer a fun Splash and Dash event for 5 to 7 year olds, consisting of a splash in Lake Taupo and a short dash along the lakefront .

Our programme

It's time to set aside Sunday, 23rd February 2025 for Taupo’s annual Wairakei Estate Ironkidz event.

Wairakei Estate Ironkidz triathlon event is open to anyone aged between 7 and 15 years.  Splash & Dash is for those aged between 5 and 7 (yes you can enter either event if your child is 7, whichever you think is the best option for them).

There are two events:  The triathlon for everyone aged 7 – 15 years old, and a Splash & Dash event for 5 – 7 year olds.

To complete the triathlon, competitors complete a swim, following by a bike ride, followed by a run. You can enter on your own – which means you swim, bike and run (in that order) – or as part of a team of three, which means you swim or bike or run. You are also able to enter as a team of two. If you enter as a team of two, one of you will do two of the three legs (swim, bike, run).

You can enter on your own, or in a team with friends. Either way, everyone’s a winner and having fun is the name of the game!

Note: Elite section – there are no teams, you must have a road bike (mountain bikes will not be accepted), be a competent swimmer and be a member or either a triathlon club or a school triathlon group.  This club/group must be stated on entry form.  Entries will be limited to 30 per age group. This is a timed event with time limits on each leg and trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

The Splash & Dash is a paddle in Lake Taupo and a short run along the lakefront. Children do not need to be able to swim.

What you need to know

Registration takes place on (this is where you collect your race bib number, swim cap, information and goodie bag) 

Saturday 22nd February at Waipahihi School Hall, 20 Parata Street, Taupo between 4-6pm
Sunday 23rd February at the Lakefront Reserve - opposite Mere Road from 7.30am

Event Day Timetable:
Here’s a run-down for the day (it is important that you arrive on time. You must place your bike in the transition area 30 mins prior to your event, allow plenty of time for this):
7.30am: This is when the Transition Area – the hub of all activity – opens. We need all bikes to be in the transition area by 8.45am at the latest.
8.45am: Event safety briefing – this is when everyone gathers around to hear exactly what lies ahead! It’s important you listen carefully to instructions.
9.00am: The big moment – the event gets underway!
Note:  It’s important all competitors arrive on time as the event has to begin on time.