Dear Parents /Caregivers,

On Friday the 7th of September we will be holding the Redcliffs School Duathlon at Van Asch. A decision will be made by 8.15am and posted on our School App if the event needs to be postponed.

This is a new event for 2018, it replaces the Redcliffs Triathlon event. It will involve a short run to bikes, a bike and then run to the finish. It will be run around the Van Asch block and within Van Asch. This will avoid the students having to cross the road at any stage.

Last year the Canterbury Triathlon was moved to term 4. We ran the Triathlon in term 4 but found the timing really tight for the Sumner Pool being opened and entries being in for Canterbury’s. There was also a lot of road crossings and we were pushed to find enough helpers on the day. Feedback received was that many students were unsure of the course and where to go. With all of this in mind, we have made the decision to have a duathlon around Van Asch this year, allowing us to take students around the course beforehand, while also being safer.

For the individual competitors, the event will begin with a short run to the bikes. To mimic the Canterbury Triathlon the students will have to run the first bit in bare feet and without a helmet on as what it would be like after a swim. We have tried to keep similar distances to the Canterbury Triathlon for the individual events. Canterbury Distances: Bike: Year 5/6=5.4 km and Year 7/8=10.8 km. Run: All ages 2.3km

The team events will start with a short run to bikes with them being able to be in their shoes and helmet. The distances are not as far as the individual event to encourage participation and enjoyment.

Parent Help:

We need parents to generously donate their time as marshals. Your help is essential for the success of our event. If we are unable to get enough help we will, unfortunately, have to cancel the event for safety reasons.

If your child is cycling please check that their bike is roadworthy and safe. If we deem it unsafe we will withdraw them from the race.