Aquathon

ILLAWARRA FITNESS FESTIVAL

Aquathon is an exciting swim-run event designed for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re new to multi-sport events or aiming for a competitive result, there’s a place for you here at the Illawarra Fitness Festival.

Featuring Junior and Open races, plus an Elite 16 series for top performers, the event delivers an energetic and inclusive racing environment in the heart of the University of Wollongong.

Race Formats

Participation Races

Open to all ages and fitness levels, the Participation Races provide a fun and friendly racing experience that encourages movement and enjoyment. Whether you’re racing alongside friends or giving Aquathon a go for the first time, this is your chance to be part of the action!

Distance: 200m swim + 2km run

Age Groups:

U12
U16
16-19
Opens
Separate Male and Female races

Course: Open water style swim around buoys in UniActive Pool x 2, transition at BBQ area, 2 x 1km laps on University Ovals 1 & 3

Elite 16 Races

Our headline race format! The top 16 male and top 16 female qualifers will race through a four-round elimination formation, showcasing the region’s fittest and fastest across swim and run disciplines.

Entry: Top 16 Male and Top 16 Female qualifying times

Format:

Round of 16 – 16 Athletes
Quarter Final – 12 Athletes
Semi Final – 8 Athletes
Final – 4 Athletes

Distance per round: 200m swim + 800m run
Course: Open water style swim around buoys in UniActive Pool x 2, transition at BBQ area, 2 laps of Oval 1

Elite 16 Entry Criteria

Athletes must submit times for:

400m swim (pool based)

1500m (track or flat road course

These times are combined to determine a qualifying score. Top 16 in both Male and Female category will be invited to race. (e.g. 400m swim at 6:00 and 1500m at 5:30 will combine for 11:30)

Submissions can include official event results, or verified personal bests (coaches, PE teachers, club officials) and will be submitted when registering.

Timetable

TIME	EVENT
5:20am	Warm-Up
6:00am	Event Welcome & Briefing (All Participants)
6:30am	Participation Races Begin (200m swim + 2km run)
6:30am	Opens (Male Wave)
6:40am	Opens (Female Wave)
6:50am	16–19 Years (Girls & Boys)
7:00am	U16 (Girls & Boys)
7:10am	10–12 Years (Girls & Boys)
7:20am	U12 Years (Girls & Boys – separate waves if numbers allow)
7:30am	Transition to Elite 16 – Warm-up & Marshalling
7:35am	Elite 16 Round 1: Male – 16 participants → Top 12 advance
7:43am	Elite 16 Round 1: Female – 16 participants → Top 12 advance
7:51am	Elite 16 Round 2: Male – 12 participants → Top 8 advance
7:59am	Elite 16 Round 2: Female – 12 participants → Top 8 advance
8:07am	Elite 16 Round 3: Male – 8 participants → Top 4 advance
8:15am	Elite 16 Round 3: Female – 8 participants → Top 4 advance
8:23am	Elite 16 Final: Male – 4 participants → Winner determined
8:31am	Elite 16 Final: Female – 4 participants → Winner determined
8:39am	Medal Presentations & Event Wrap-up
8:50am	Event Concludes