ENTRIES for the Iron Girl South Africa, Vodacom Corporate Triathlon Challenge and Pritt Ironkids South Africa have been selling at an all-time high, with two of the events already sold out for the Spec-Savers Ironman SA weekend from April 12-14 in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Ironkids SA and Corporate Triathlon Challenge events sold out last week, two weeks before entries officially close.
Entries are still open for Iron Girl and are coming in steadily.
This year marks the third consecutive year of Iron Girl SA in Port Elizabeth. This 8.5km women-only fun run will be held on Friday, April 12, at Hobie Beach (4pm).
Individuals of 14 years and older, along with mother-daughter teams, will be running or walking their way to the finish line.
Taking part this year is mother-daughter team Laura and Courtney Combrink.
"At the age of 28, when Courtney was one, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and told that I had no hope and only a few months left to live," Laura said.
"I beat the odds and started living life to the fullest. We take part in as many races as we can, to acknowledge the fact that we are both lucky to be able to run together, now 20 years later."
This will be Courtney's first time racing Iron Girl SA, while Laura took part last year.
"The vibe is amazing and it's great to be a part of one of the biggest events in PE," Laura said. "Running is about so much more than just staying fit, it's about lifestyle and experiencing life on foot, rather than in a car."
With nearly 1000 entrants registered, and a maximum field of 1500, anyone wanting to enter is encouraged to register soon before entries close on March 29.
While the women prepare for their race, the corporates are getting ready for the Corporate Triathlon Challenge on April 13.
Starting at 7.50am, more than 1800 entrants, comprising individuals, corporate hopefuls and scholars racing in teams of two or three, will participate in a 380m swim, 18km bike and 4.2km run – the equivalent of 10% of the full Ironman distance.
Kurt Heynes, from Vodacom, as a spokesman for his triathlon team, Average Blokes, said they were preparing well in advance of the race day.
"I am doing the run, and am making sure that I run at least 10km a week," he said.
This year will be Heynes's fourth Corporate Triathlon Challenge.
"It is a fantastic event, with a wonderful atmosphere; a great time for family, friends and colleagues to gather and compete against one another on the beautiful beachfront of Port Elizabeth," he said.
"It is a competitive yet fun environment to be a part of."
As far as their goals go, Average Blokes would like to beat their time of one hour, 13 minutes and 40 seconds of last year. According to Heynes, whoever wants the title the most will win it.
In addition to a sold-out Corporate Triathlon Challenge, this year will see about 1000 entrants in the fourth consecutive sold- out Ironkids event.
The Ironkids SA will also take place on April 13, starting at noon at the MacArthur Pool and Leisure Centre. Children between the ages of six and nine will swim 60m and run 1.2km, while the 10-13 group will swim 100m and run 2km.
No times are taken as the heart of this event is about having fun and making each child feel like they are a winner. A special first wave will allow disabled children to participate in the event and cross the Ironkids finish line.
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