Sporty schools can win $1000

School teachers and students throughout NZ are encouraged to enter teams in the 2009 Pearl Izumi Taupo Half Ironman to be in with a chance to win $1000 for new sports equipment.

“Teams of two or three can swim 2kms, ride 90kms and run 21kms, and can be made up of either students, teachers or other school staff,” said Wayne Reardon, event director of the Taupo Half Ironman, which will take place on 12th December, 2009.

Each school team entered will go in the draw to win $1000 for their school and the fastest school team will win the ‘2009 Pearl Izumi Taupo Half Ironman Schools Trophy.’

It is also a chance for the school’s swimmers, cyclists and runners to test themselves against the best from around NZ – the fastest overall athletes in each discipline will win each $250.

“The Pearl Izumi Taupo Half Ironman is the largest mixed sporting event in the country that specifically caters for school teams and there are no cut-off times for each of the legs,” said Mr Reardon.

“Like many Taupo events, entries are tracking very well – in both the individual category and the teams category, our entries are up on this time last year.

“The efforts of all individuals who finish the Taupo Half Ironman are recognised with a commemorative medal,” concluded Mr Reardon.

Entering the Taupo Half Ironman is considered perfect training for those considering a full Ironman in Taupo in March – the swim in Lake Taupo is exactly half of the Ironman swim course and the cycling and running leg also mirror the Ironman route.

More information about the 2009 Taupo Half Ironman is available at www.halfironmantaupo.co.nz