Villa Maria To Host Opening Sovereign Tri Series Event This Sunday

The Sovereign Tri Series for the summer of 2015/16 gets underway this weekend – and it begins with a brand new event, the Auckland Duathlon at the beautiful Villa Maria Estate in Mangere on Sunday 15^th November.
 
The venue offers so much to participants too, aside from the safe and largely off-road course, Villa Maria’s world renowned award-winning wines and fine dining and entertainment will also be prominent for participants and supporters – hopefully post-race if it comes to a celebratory glass with friends!
 
This unique experience will see competitors racing through the vines, with the majority of the run off-road, before relaxing on the picturesque grounds with a gourmet burger and perhaps a well-earned massage. The Chef has come up with a special ‘TRI Burger’ and of course there will be the usual Villa Maria delicacies, wine tasting and winery tours. Plus Wilder and Hunt will have a Food Truck on site bringing nutrient dense real food.
 
Event Director Stuart Dwight says participants and supporters on the day are in for a great event.
 
“Villa Maria is a great venue, one that offers safe and controlled racing on largely off-road packed trails for the running, as well as great spectator viewing. Family and friends will be able to see their loved ones various times during their race as they cheer them on towards the finish.
 
“But it is the extras that are going to delight those there on the day. From the gourmet food on offer, to the post-race massage, the great coffees from arrival on Sunday morning and the chance to take a tour of the winery and learn a little more about this amazing and long standing business.
 
“I have no doubt that Sovereign Duo Villa Maria will grow and become established as a fun, must do event – one with a race for all abilities. We encourage women, beginners and first timers to run in a non-confrontational environment – this is not about flash bikes and lycra, we encourage first timers, families, friends – get together and enter a team and then relax with a picnic on the lawns with a glass of your favourite tipple.”
 
The Sovereign Duo Auckland does indeed have a race for any age and ability, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro.
 
The kids are included with the innovative 1km barrel run for 5-10 year olds, weaving through some of the wineries barrels to the finish line. The short distance – which is a 2.5km run, 10km bike ride and then finishing with a 1.2km run is perfect for the first timers or beginners – with strolling and jogging encouraged. The Sprint/mid distance – which is the 5km run, 20km bike ride and 2.5km run offers a slightly more challenging distance and then the standard distance – 10km run, 40km bike ride and 5km run is one for the more experienced athletes.
 
For those taking the Sovereign Duo Auckland seriously, there is also the chance to represent New Zealand at the World Champs. Age Group racing provides athletes from ages 16-85+ to qualify and compete on the world stage at the 2016 Aviles ITU World Duathlon Championships in Spain.
 
There’s still time to sign up, but entries are also accepted on race day. Registration is open from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday, on site at Villa Maria. Race packs will include some great goodies for all competitors and why not take a winery tour at registration?
 
This is an event for which you should pack not only your bike and running gear, but the family and a picnic blanket and sunnies as well as everyone enjoys a day on the green at Villa Maria – with some great racing thrown in for good measure.
 
Click HERE to enter online now and for more details.