Questions you might have....
Ask us...
Most of the information you require will be in the Athlete Guide or Event Details pages.
We can always learn! No matter how experienced you are there is always more to know, so check out out tips and tricks (these will keep being added to).
If what you need is not here, then get in touch and we'll come back to you!
About the Event
When and where is the event?
The Auckland Duathlon Champs 2026 will be held on Sunday 20 September 2026 at:
Manukau Yacht & Motorboat Club
85 Kiwi Esplanade
Māngere Bridge, Auckland
What is a Duathlon?
A duathlon is a run–bike–run event. You begin with a run, move through transition to the bike course, and finish with a second run. There is no swimming.
Who can take part?
The event welcomes a wide range of ages and abilities, including:
Triathlon New Zealand age-group championship athletes
Secondary-school athletes
Beginner and recreational participants
Para athletes
Individual competitors
Two-person teams
Some eligibility and membership requirements apply if you want to contest a national or schools championship category.
Is the event suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our open and shorter-distance options provide an achievable and welcoming introduction to duathlon.
You do not need a specialist racing bike or previous multisport experience. Choose the distance and bike category that suit your ability and equipment.
Can I walk during the run?
Yes. Athletes may walk where needed, provided they complete the course within any published cut-off times and follow the instructions of officials and marshals.
Can I complete more than once?
No. Each athlete may compete only once on the day, either as an individual or as part of a team. You cannot enter both an individual event and a team event.
Entries and Changes
How do I enter?
All entries are completed online through our official entry platform.
School athletes should speak with their school sports coordinator before entering to confirm their school’s entry and approval process.
When do entries close?
Online entries close on 8.00pm on Saturday 19th, unless the event reaches capacity earlier.
Late or race-day entries will are available for an additional $15 subject to entry limits not being reached earlier. We recommend entering early. Payment will be direct to bank account.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees vary depending on the event, category and date of entry. Check out the entry price schedule here
Any applicable Triathlon New Zealand membership or race-licence fee will be shown during registration.
What does my entry include?
Your entry includes:
Participation in your selected event
Electronic race timing
Race numbers
On-course safety and event support (including professional traffic management, council fees and professional event medics)
Technical officials - to keep racing fair and safe
Finisher recognition
Eligibility for applicable prizes or championship awards
A supported run–bike–run experience at Māngere Bridge
Can I change my event or transfer my entry?
Changes and transfers may be possible before the published deadline and are subject to the event’s terms and conditions. These can be found on the GameDay entry site.
Do not give your race bib or timing transponder to another person without approval from the event team. Correct athlete information is essential for timing, eligibility and safety.
Triathlon New Zealand National Age Group Championships and Edmonton 20207 Qualification
Do I have to enter the National Championship?
No. The event includes open, shorter-distance and team options alongside the Triathlon New Zealand National Duathlon Championships.
You only need to meet the National Championship requirements if you want to contest a national title or seek qualification for Edmonton 2027. All eligible athletes are automatically entered in the appropriate category.
Who is eligible for National Championships?
National Championship eligibility is determined by Triathlon New Zealand. Requirements may include age-group, club membership, citizenship or residency, and race-licence conditions.
Please review the official requirements before entering the championship category.
Visit Triathlon New Zealand
How is my Age Group calculated?
Age-group athletes compete in five-year age bands. For the 2026 Triathlon New Zealand National Duathlon Championships, your age group is based on your age on 31 December 2026. Your correct category should be shown during registration.
School category athletes age group is calculated from 1st January 2026
Is this a qualifying event for the Edmonton World Triathlon Multisport Championships in July 2027 in Canada?
Yes. The designated Sprint Duathlon is a qualifying event for the 2027 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Edmonton, Canada.
Completing or placing at this event does not automatically guarantee selection. Athletes must meet Triathlon New Zealand’s qualification, membership, eligibility and team-selection requirements.
[View Edmonton 2027 qualification information]
Triathlon New Zealand determines international eligibility and selection.
Questions about entering or racing in Auckland should be directed to the event team. Questions about New Zealand team selection should be directed to Triathlon New Zealand.
New Zealand Schools Championships
Who can enter the New Zealand Schools Duathlon Championships?
The championship is for eligible secondary-school students representing their school.
Athletes must meet the 2026 School Sport New Zealand eligibility regulations and the event’s age, category and entry requirements.
Read the School Sport New Zealand Eligibility Regulations 2026
What are the schools age groups?
The schools categories are:
Junior: Under 14 on 1 January in the year of competition, including U12 and U13
Intermediate: Under 16 on 1 January in the year of competition
Senior: Under 19 on 1 January in the year of competition
Athletes must enter the correct category for their age.
Do students enter themselves or through their school?
Athletes should enter themselves directly. Athletes and parents should speak with their school sports coordinator before entering.
Schools are responsible for confirming that athletes are eligible to represent them and for completing any required approval or team-management processes. This "roster form" must be signed by the Principal of your school before competing.
Do school athletes need to wear their school uniform?
No, however athletes are encouraged to compete in their approved school sports uniform.
Can students from different schools form a team?
Composite school teams require prior approval. Do not enter a mixed-school team until the appropriate application has been approved. (for School Sport NZ Championships). Composite teams are eligible for the Auckland Duathlon Championship categories.
Application information is available through the School Sport New Zealand eligibility page.
If I am an Auckland student, does this event count towards the Auckland Junior Tri Series points?
Yes, for more information check out the Auckland Youth Tri Academy information here.
Teams, para athletes and bike categories
How does the team event work?
A duathlon team consists of two competitors. One competitor completes the running legs and the other completes the cycling leg.
Changeovers must take place inside the designated team area in transition. The timing transponder and race number must be passed to the next team member.
Which age group does a team enter?
The oldest team member determines the team’s age category.
School team members must represent the same school to be eligible for championship awards, unless a composite team has received prior approval.
Can I enter the Open Bike category?
Yes. The open-bike category allows athletes to use a safe, roadworthy mountain bike, hybrid bike or city-style bike.
The category is designed to make the event accessible to people who do not have a road-racing bike. Make sure you select the correct bike category when entering, as different distances and results may apply.
Is there a para-athlete category?
Yes. Para athletes are welcome in both individual and team events.
Para athletes compete in their applicable age category and are encouraged to have a provisional classification and regularly train in their chosen discipline.
Para team members may attend the same or different schools. Mixed-school para teams should complete the required composite-team approval process.
Paralympics New Zealand classification information
If you have access or participation requirements, please contact the event team before entering so we can work with you.
Bikes, clothing and equipment
What type of bike can I use?
Road bikes may be used in the road-bike categories.
Safe and roadworthy mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and city-style bikes may be used in the open-bike category.
No e-bikes are allowed
All bikes must be mechanically sound and suitable for the event.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes. An approved, correctly fitted cycle helmet is compulsory.
Your helmet must be fastened before you remove your bike from the rack and remain fastened until you have returned your bike to the rack.
Will my bike be checked?
Event officials may inspect bikes and helmets. You are responsible for ensuring your equipment is safe and roadworthy before arriving.
We recommend having your bike checked or serviced well before race day. We will have a track pump for tyres in transition and there maybe a mechanic for any unexpected issues.
What equipment do I need?
At a minimum, you will need:
Suitable running shoes
A safe and roadworthy bike
An approved cycle helmet
Appropriate race clothing
Your race bib
Your timing transponder
Any personal nutrition or medication you need
You may use a bike computer and / or running watch.
No headphones, phones or recording equipment etc to be used during the race. See Tri NZ rules.
What clothing should I wear?
Athletes must keep their torso covered throughout the bike and run sections. Suitable clothing includes a tri suit, singlet, school sports uniform, club kit or T-shirt.
September weather can be cool and changeable, so bring warm and weatherproof clothing for before and after your race.
Registration and preparation
When can I collect my race pack?
Yes. Pre-event registration will be available on Saturday 19 September 2026, from 12 noon to 3.00pm, at:
Swim Shop
66 Mt Eden Road
Mt Eden, Auckland
Race-morning registration will also be available within the times published in the event schedule.
What will I receive at registration?
Your registration pack will include your race number and electronic timing transponder, together with any event-specific information.
Check that the number on your transponder matches your allocated race number.
How does the timing transponder work?
The timing transponder is attached to a Velcro strap and must be worn around your ankle throughout the race.
Teams receive one transponder. It must be transferred between team members inside the designated team-changeover area.
No transponder means no official time. The transponder will ensure you have completed the appropriate number of laps, athletes who do not complete these may be disqualified.
Do I have to return the timing transponder ?
Yes. Remove and return your transponder after crossing the finish line.
You must also return it if you withdraw, do not start or fail to complete the course. A $100 replacement fee applies to transponders that are not returned.
Is the race briefing compulsory?
Yes. All competitors must attend the compulsory briefing for their event.
Important course, safety and transition information will be covered.
Transition and race procedures
What is transition?
Transition is the controlled area where athletes rack their bikes and change between running and cycling.
Only competitors and authorised event officials may enter transition.
Can parents, teachers, friends, teachers and coaches enter transition?
No. Parents, teachers, coaches and supporters cannot enter transition.
Athletes who need help should ask a transition marshal or the Transition Director.
Can someone assist or pace me during the race?
No. Athletes may not receive outside assistance or be accompanied or paced by a coach, parent or supporter.
Assistance may always be provided in an emergency.
Can I leave a bag or box beside my bike?
No. Only the equipment needed for racing may be left neatly beside your bike. Bags, boxes and other belongings must be removed before transition closes.
Can I use a wind trainer in transition ?
No. Wind trainers cannot be used in transition.
Athletes must also not warm up on any part of the course once racing is underway.
When can I remove my bike after racing?
Bikes and equipment cannot be removed until the transition official reopens the area.
This keeps transition safe for athletes who are still racing. Listen for the announcement and follow the transition team’s instructions.
Course and Race Rules
Where can I find the course maps?
Course maps for each discipline can be found on the RidewithGPS link below. Click through to see your first run course, the bike lap and the final run.
Make sure you study the correct map for your event, including the course colour, turn points and number of laps.
Who is responsible for counting my laps?
Each athlete is responsible for completing the correct course and number of laps. Your transponder will count your laps for race result verification only.
Marshals will provide directions, but they may not know which category or lap every athlete is completing.
Are the roads closed to traffic?
A full road closure is planned for the bike course. However, emergency, event and legally authorised vehicles may still be present.
Athletes must treat the road as open at all times, keep left, remain on the correct side of the centreline and obey officials and traffic-management personnel. Normal road rules apply.
Is drafting permitted?
Drafting rules depend on the event category:
Age-group and U19 road-bike athletes may draft only with athletes of the same gender.
U14, U16 and open-bike athletes may not draft.
Non-drafting athletes must maintain the required distance from the bike ahead.
Only draft if you have the skills and experience to do so safely. Full drafting rules will be explained in the Athlete Guide and race briefing.
What should I do if another athlete is injured?
If it is safe to do so, stop and provide assistance, then alert the nearest marshal or event official.
Looking after another person takes priority over your race result.
How do I make a protest?
Protests are managed under the applicable Triathlon New Zealand rules.
You must advise the Race Referee or Technical Delegate of your intention to protest within 15 minutes of finishing and submit the required written protest within 30 minutes of finishing.
Marshals and volunteers cannot decide protests or change results.
Venue, parking and access
Where can I park?
There is street parking within walking distance of the venue. Athletes and supporters should park away from the course and reserve, then walk to the event site.
Do not park:
On the bike course
Across driveways
On private property
Where you obstruct residents
In any signed or coned event area
Vehicles parked on the closed course may be towed.
Will there be road closures?
Yes. Temporary road closures and traffic controls will operate around Kiwi Esplanade and the bike course. Please note that authorised traffic may be travelling through the area.
Allow extra time, follow event signage and volunteer directions, and check the final access information before travelling.
What time should I arrive?
Allow enough time to park, walk to the venue, register, prepare your bike, enter transition and attend the compulsory briefing.
Is there a drop off area?
There is no designated drop off area. If an athlete needs special assistance please contact the event team.
Do not stop on the course, near transition access or anywhere that blocks residents or other road users.
Can I cycle to the event?
Yes, that's a great option, but take additional care around temporary traffic controls and event activity.
If you are racing, remember that you will still need somewhere appropriate for your additional clothing and equipment. (We will have a gear drop off area at registration)
Is the venue accessible?
We want the event to be welcoming and accessible. The venue map identifies accessible parking, toilets, step-free access and suitable spectator locations.
If you have particular access requirements, please contact us before race day.
Are there toilets at the venue?
Yes. Toilets will be available near transition and additional public toilets may be found on the run course.
Spectators and team areas
Can spectators attend?
Absolutely. Friends, whānau, school groups and supporters are encouraged to attend.
Spectators must remain outside transition and the race course, use designated crossing points and follow marshal instructions. Even better they can get up close by volunteering too - check the opportunities out here
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on a short lead, under control and well away from the race course, transition, event village and finish-line area at all times.
Race day involves fast-moving runners and cyclists and may be busy and noisy. Owners are responsible for following all Auckland Council dog-access rules for the surrounding parks and reserves.
Dogs are prohibited from most areas of nearby Ambury Regional Park, including the farm, foreshore and wildlife areas. They are permitted only on the park’s Loop Road and must remain on a lead.
Where are the best places to watch?
There are several great viewing areas around the run course, finish line and event venue. With much of the course passing through Māngere Bridge’s beautiful parks and reserves, take the opportunity to explore this special part of Auckland while supporting the athletes. Bring a folding chair, a reusable cup for a hot drink, a picnic and even your pom-poms, then find your perfect cheering spot!
For everyone’s safety and to ensure fair racing, spectators must not enter the bike course or provide outside assistance to athletes.
Can schools or clubs put up a tent?
Yes! Schools and clubs are encouraged to set up a tent in the designated reserve area near the finish line. Bring your team colours, flags and plenty of enthusiasm—let’s create a festive event village and a fantastic team atmosphere for everyone!
Please follow the event team’s directions when choosing your tent site and ensure tents are securely anchored.
Can spectators enter transition?
No. Transition is restricted to competitors and authorised event personnel for safety and security.
Food, waste and care for the venue
Will food and drinks be available?
A coffee van will be available at the venue. Please bring your own reusable cup as we are aiming for a zero waste event.
You are also welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the event atmosphere.
Is this a zero waste event?
Yes. Please help us protect the coastal environment by:
Bringing reusable bottles and cups
Avoiding unnecessary packaging
Taking everything you bring to the venue home with you
Not discarding bottles or rubbish on the course
Picking up any rubbish you see
Discarding items on the course may also result in a race penalty.
How can we respect the local community?
Māngere Bridge is home to a vibrant community, as well as other recreational users and animals.
Please keep driveways clear, follow parking restrictions, respect residents, take your rubbish home and follow all event instructions.
If you see a local, take the time to share some triathlon love and explain what is going on and how they can enjoy too.
Weather, safety and event changes
Will the event go ahead if it rains?
Duathlon is held in a range of weather conditions. Bring clothing suitable for the forecast and expect conditions to change.
The event team may alter the timetable, course or format if conditions create a safety concern.
What happens if the course needs to change?
The Event Director may change the course, distance, start time or event format because of weather, an incident or another safety issue.
Where possible, athletes will be advised at least 30 minutes before their start. Updates may be communicated through the briefing, public-address announcements, email, the website and social media.
Will medical support be available?
Yes. First-aid support will be available at the event.
Athletes must provide accurate medical and emergency-contact information. Carry any medication you require and ensure your school manager or support person knows about relevant medical conditions.
Results, awards and photographs
Where will results be published?
Results will be published on the event website and shared through the Auckland Duathlon social channels as soon as they are available. They can also be accessed here
Will there be medals and prizes
Yes! Medals and awards will be presented across the event:
Triathlon New Zealand National Duathlon Championships: gold, silver and bronze medals for first, second and third in each individual championship category.
New Zealand Schools Duathlon Championships: gold, silver and bronze medals for first, second and third in each individual championship category.
Team categories: first-place medals for each member of the winning team.
Auckland Championships: special branded mementos for the Junior, Open, Masters and Team category winners.
There will also be spot prizes and other great prizes up for grabs. Athletes must be present at prizegiving to claim event spot prizes and locally drawn prizes.
As an official Tri NZ Suzuki Series event, athletes who finish an eligible event will also go into the series-wide draw for the chance to win a Suzuki car, subject to Tri NZ’s prize-draw terms and conditions. A huge thank you to Suzuki for its generous support of the series and multisport throughout New Zealand.
The full award categories, prize details, eligibility requirements and prizegiving time will be confirmed in the Athlete Guide. Find out more about the Tri NZ Suzuki Series.
Will event photographers be onsite?
Yes. Event photographers and media may capture images and video during the event. These may be used to report on and promote the event and Auckland City Triathlon Club. We endeavour to share athlete photos via our facebook page after the event.
Please contact the event team before race day if you have a specific privacy or safeguarding concern.
Key links
Contact Us by Email
Event delivered by Auckland City Triathlon Club
Registered Charity Auckland City Triathlon Club is a registered Charity : CC 47275
