The field for the 31st Anniversary Air New Zealand Rarotonga Triathlon will see over 60 individual entrants who will complete the whole triathlon, and another 15 entering in teams of 2 or 3.

President of the Cook Islands Triathlon association Roland Neururer said, “This is really special for our 31^st event.  We have good numbers, and we are extremely happy to be welcoming so many visitors from New Zealand, Australia and some from Europe too.”

The Triathlon Festival starts with the CITC Boiler Swim on Thursday May 1.  The race starts at 4.45pm and locals are encouraged to come and be a part of this great event, registration is from 4pm on race day for local swimmers. 

Of the 60 triathletes, entrants over 50 will be taking part in the boiler swim. Olivia Ritchie will be on the start again.  Olivia who is from New Zealand went on to win the triathlon in the ladies’ division for the last 2 years and will be defending both her swimming title she won 2 years ago and triathlon titles she won 2 years in a row.

Olivia’s husband Carl who placed 2^nd in the men’s race in 2024 will be fighting for top honours, although it is expected to be a good race with last year’s winner Rob Dallimore on the starting line again.

The reputation of the event and the friendliness of the Cook Islands as a destination brings back many competitors year after year.  Familiar names and faces will again be lining up for what many say is their favourite triathlon, and include many repeat visitors Henry Hale, Rob Dallimore, Maggie Ward, the Murphy family, and many other athletes.

Our local field will be spearheaded by our new Tinman winner David Robati, vying for the 1^st local title, his recent success winning the local tinman race of a slightly shorter distance 1200/31/10. In the men’s race, along 12 times winner Roland Neururer, hot on his heel.

Mike Carr who is always consistent and will be expected to place highly.  Other locals to look out for are Andrew Menzies who will be competing in his 2^nd year triathlon, Jacob Pynenburg who has shown strong form recently and will be expected to have a good race.

It is a close call for the local women, with Tinman champion Maya Postrzygacz looking to come in ahead of her biggest threat Brooke Ross, who was only 5 second behind in the Tinman race this year. Adrianna Skurosz. Lauren Turner who has been training well will be looking to complete the event for the 2^nd time. 

In the teams race it is great to see some long-time locals coming together, with Serena Hunter being joined by Alyce Nicholson and Paul, they are looking to beat a new team record.

Not to forget our junior team the Postrzgacz family with yet an unknow swimmer will they show the adults just how it’s done?

Air New Zealand and Cook Islands Triathlon wish all athletes a fantastic race.  Road users are advised that cyclists will be traveling at speed from Tikioki through town and out towards Arorangi from 2pm on Saturday and extreme caution is needed.

This comes ahead of the Ride Rarotonga Tour de Raro, which will be held on Tuesday May 6 from 4.30pm in town and is a fast a furious cycle race anti-clockwise around the island.

Once again, extreme caution is advised as the cyclists are often traveling faster than other road users.

CITAI would also like to thank all the wonderful sponsors to make this triathlon week a reality. Mayor sponsor Air New Zealand, with Gold sponsor The Edgewater Resort & Spa, BSP South Pacific Bank , CITC, Ride Rarotonga, Cook Island Tourism with supporting sponsor Vaima Water, The Bond Store, Island Car & Bike Hire. CITAI