Amanzimtoti on KZN’s Sapphire Coast is set to be a hive of activity on Sunday, 25 August 2024 as the country’s first-ever Splash Tri Dash, a super triathlon, gets underway at Amanzimtoti Main Beach with Olympic bronze medalist Henri Schoeman, and South African triathlete Bridget Theunissen set to compete.
Amanzimtoti Main Beach.
South African triathlete Bridget Theunissen.
“We are delighted to be the chosen venue for this family-friendly event that gives participants and spectators the chance to experience the Sapphire Coast’s incredible climate, coastline, and community,” said Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “The Sapphire Coast is not only a top tourism destination, but the ideal location for hosting sport events such as these. We encourage interested athletes to sign up now while there’s availability, and call on our local community to come out in their numbers to support. This is set to be a full day of fun!”
The Splash Tri Dash – which is presented by Splash Waterworld in association with Raging Rapids Water Slides and the Thirsty Whale Sports and Cocktail Bar – is a lap-racing event based on the hugely successful international Super League Triathlon racing. Teams from as far as Cape Town and Johannesburg will come to compete in the 3×3 repeat triathlon, starting with a 200m ocean swim, a 3km bike (with full road closure), and a 1km run on the promenade – aiming for a share of the R40 000 prize purse. Entrants also receive a free bacon and egg roll as well as a goody pack jammed with some great vouchers, samples, treats and a Day Pass for Splash.
Organiser Bridget Theunissen (22), a reserve Olympian set to represent South Africa in the short-distance triathlon at the U23 World Championships in Spain this October, will be using this as a fundraiser for the championships, with 10% of entry fees going towards Operation Bobbi Bear and SPCA Amanzimtoti.
“Our primary goal is inclusivity in the Splash Tri Dash so there is something for everyone,” explained Theunissen. “The distances are short and entries are open for teams and individuals. Our plan is to grow this event into something huge on the South African multi-sport calendar and build it into a league series. We want to involve the whole community, from participants and spectators to our local roleplayers, among them Sapphire Coast Tourism. This will be my last year competing in the U23 World Championships and I feel this event is the best way to rally support and encourage our local triathletes.”
This family-friendly event will include a jumping castle at Splash Waterworld for the children as well as discounted entry and crazy food specials on the day! Thirsty Whale is also organising activations, with giveaways by Bidfood, Heineken, and Dairymaid. There will be live commentary of the race, music, and fantastic lucky draw prizes after the main prizegiving. This is not one to miss!
Theunissen also extended thanks to all the event sponsors, among them Sapphire Coast Tourism, Spur, Virgin Active, M-projects, Reclam, Clinique, 32gi, Aquelle, and Fitch and Leeds.
The Splash Tri Dash Details
Date: Sunday, 25 August 2024
Time: 7am
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach in front of the Thirsty Whale and Splash Waterworld
Entry fee: R450 per person | R750 per team
Prize Purse: R40 000
Entry link: www.triseries.co.za
Public Notice for Amanzimtoti Beach Road Residents
Race Times: 7am to (approximately) 11am
Residents are to exercise patience, caution in respect of participants and understanding in terms of noise and road congestion.
For more information about the Sapphire Coast and its diverse tourism offerings, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or the Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page.
