More than 1000 energetic people will head to Wollongong Harbour this Thursday, January 26, for the 23rd annual MMJ Aquathon.
The all-ages and all-abilities multi-distance competition is the largest swim-run event in Australia, averaging 1500 participants each year.
Event organiser Rob Battocchio says this year’s Aquathon is on track to record the largest attendance since pre-Covid events.
“Covid impact was quite severe. We had cancellations and scaled-back events,” Rob said.
“Last year we had a bit over a thousand [participants], so we're hoping that we're on the trajectory to rebuild back to those bigger years.”
Rob has a strong triathlete background and a zeal for sport. The idea for an aquathon first arose when Rob was graduating from university, having studied health and physical education and exercise science. A close friend suggested they introduce an aquathon to the Wollongong region. More than two decades on, the MMJ Aquathon is widely considered a sporting staple of the Illawarra and a premier aquathon in Australia, having drawn the likes of Olympic gold medallists, world champion triathletes and elite surf lifesavers.
What Rob is most proud of, though, is that the MMJ Aquathon is recognised for prioritising fun above all else.
“[MMJ Aquathon] built up from a 200 or 300 people participant event to now, what I proudly say is one of Wollongong's most iconic… community fitness events,” he said.
“It's the premier event that maybe the more elite vie for, but 98 per cent of people are really there to enjoy their public holiday, to have fun and to turn around and just celebrate that day, to get out there, go to the harbour and swim and run.
“We celebrate community on that day – that's what Aquathon has always been about.”
This year will include the second Blue Mile 5 Fun Run – a scenic 5km flat run, jog or walk open to all ages and abilities that received rave reviews from 2022 participants.
“[We’re] very excited about the addition of the fun run, and we feel that, over time, that'll also build to be a really all age, family friendly event component too,” Rob said.
“If you want to just have a go at something, take part in the fun run – even just walk it – bring the kids and family along, embrace being active and really [celebrate] the beautiful area in the Illawarra that we have… there's a distance for you.
“And what a fantastic way to wake up and celebrate your public holiday or pick up your morning if you choose not to call it your public holiday – whatever it happens to be.”
Similar to last year’s event, a portion of all registration fees will be donated to Lifeline South Coast – who will also have a donation tent and information stand set up on the day – as well as local sporting non-for-profits.
“Aquathon supports all our volunteer-based associations; so that's predominantly been clubs like Kembla Joggers running club, Athletics Wollongong, North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club; but we also promote and support fundraising and donations to Lifeline South Coast,” Rob said.
“A big part of that is not just putting in some donations, but it's also about encouraging people to use exercise as medicine… and it’s a great conversation starter.
“Just because you're an athlete or you do these events doesn't mean that you’re immune to the mental health concerns that we all go through.”
For more information on the Aquathon events and how to register, visit the website.
Registrations will remain open until Thursday morning, though you can register now to receive your race number and avoid queues.