Why just watch?

Tri NZ have created two special 'Curtain Raiser' races for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of racing in a World Champs event (except it's for fun!). Whether you're an experienced triathlete or a triathlon novice, you'll want to be a part of it.

These races provide a unique opportunity to race on the World Champs course in the heart of Auckland City that the world's best triathletes race on later in the day. The races will take place before the Women's Elite race on Saturday and again before the Men's Elite race on Sunday. But don't worry, you'll be finished in time for a quick shower, a bite to eat and then back to watch the main event!

The format is a short and sharp '3:5:3' distance - a 300m swim, 5km bike and a 3km run, with racing as fast or friendly as you want to make it. You can either race solo and claim all the glory for yourself, or race with your mates (where each team member completes a 300m swim, 5km cycle and 3km run then tags the next team-mate) in a 'see who can do the best time' tag-team format. And for those teams looking for the extra edge, Team Gold Packages are also available, including your own elite triathlete as a coach such as Cameron Brown or Jo Lawn!

The 3:5:3 Solo Tri will take place on Saturday 20 October, and the 3:5:3 Teams Tri on Sunday 21 October.

The 2012 Triathlon World Champs are going to be the biggest three days of triathlon racing New Zealand has ever seen, and the buzz you'll get from racing through downtown Auckland in front of huge local crowds makes this 'bucket-list' event something to experience first-hand, not just from the sidelines! All you'll need is a wetsuit (limited rentals available), any form of bike and some runners.

Entry is open to anyone over the age of 13 but spots are limited, so click here for more info on the 3:5:3 Solo Tri or here for more on the 3:5:3 Teams Tri!

3:5:3 entries open Friday 1st June, 2012.

Entries are limited, so get organised now & get your team together so you don't miss out!