People of the North, it’s time to dust off that mountain bike, test those running knees and search the cupboard for the budgie smugglers: there’s an all-new multi-surface triathlon in town: Steyn City, Gauteng’s award-winning and groundbreaking parkland residence, is to host the inaugural Auto & General Cross Triathlon, powered by HOT102.7FM on Saturday, 26 February 2022.

The event has been carefully timed to take place in February ahead of the Iron Man African Championships (scheduled to take place in April in Port Elizabeth), so that contestants are able to benefit from it as a training exercise. This news has been warmly welcomed by South Africa’s athletic community. Faces has eagerly stepped in as organisers of the event, with managing director Fritz Pienaar indicating that he expects it to be extremely well supported. “There is a shortage of triathlon events in and around Gauteng and we believe that this event will become a very popular fixture on the Triathlon calendar,” he says. Like Plumari, Pienaar believes that Steyn City’s layout and facilities make it a perfect venue for an off-road triathlon in the heart of Johannesburg.“

The event allows entrants to experience the world-class facilities which have secured Steyn City a place amongst the world’s top 10 lifestyle estates, according to wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth. It commences with a two-lap swim in Steyn City’s recently launched 300m lagoon (a total of 600m), followed by a 35km ride along the parkland’s MTB track, and finally, participants will run 7km along Steyn City’s floodlit boulevard. “We are fortunate to have the space to make it possible for participants to take part in all three disciplines,” Plumari says, referencing the development’s 2 000 acre indigenous planted parkland.

Steyn City CEO Giuseppe Plumari is thrilled by the announcement. “Steyn City is the only residential development in Gauteng where you can train in all three disciplines featured in a triathlon – swimming, cycling and running – owing to our incredible facilities in a completely safe and secure environment,” he says, adding that he has long wished to host an event of this nature. “It ties in perfectly with our ethos, which is rooted in an outdoor, active and wellness-oriented lifestyle.”

According to Ricardo Coetzee, Head of Auto & General, “We are excited to support this event and have no doubt that it’s going to become a regular and much-anticipated highlight on the annual sporting calendar. Triathletes embody our slogan of #whatexperiencelookslike – they turn challenges into opportunities and consistently demonstrate commitment, perseverance and passion. We’ve pulled out all the stops and triathletes taking part in this event are in for an unparalleled, world-class experience.”

Media partner HOT 102.7FM will promote the event and open the call to entries. “Aside from loving our Old Skool and R&B music, our listeners constantly seek quality experiences and adventures,” says Lloyd Madurai, Managing Director of HOT 102.7FM  “We’re proud to be the media partner to this triathlon which, aside from being a physical challenge, will give participants and their families a great fun, HOT experience.”

The Auto & General Cross Triathlon powered by HOT 102.7FM will take place at Steyn City on Saturday 26 February 2022. Entries open on Monday 13 December and cost R950 each, visit www.steyncity.co.za for all the details.

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