The ŌT
The Ōtaki Tarai | Ōtaki Try is a run swim event held at Ōtaki Pool and Haruātai Park on Saturday 1 February 2025 (postponed from Sunday 27 October 2024).
We've postponed the Ōtaki Try to Saturday 1 February 2025
This year, we’re changing things up! The ŌT is all about giving it a “TRY”, so we’re encouraging people of all fitness levels to join us for the 400-metre swim and 5-kilometre run, we’ve also added a tamariki fun section for ages 6+.
Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for the perfect training session to kick off the season, someone wanting to get fit for summer, or you just want to get involved in a great community event with your whānau and friends – everyone is welcome!
Starting from Haruātai Park, participants run three times around the Haruātai Park trail – a mixture of flat grounds and slight inclines, surrounded by thriving native bush. See course map. They then finish with a 400-metre swim at the Ōtaki Pool.
Tamariki will be divided into two age groups – 6 to 10 years and 11 to 15 years. Older tamariki will be encouraged to run a portion of the adult course (approximately 3 kilometres) and then swim two lengths of the pool, while younger tamariki will run one lap of the course and swim one length and have access to flotation devices in the pool.
On race day, maps will be displayed at registration and there'll be signage around the area and marshals scattered throughout the course.
Run course map. See larger image [JPG 128 KB].
Ōtaki Try (16+) – 5-kilometre run, 400-metre swim
Tamariki Try – (6-10 years) 1 lap of the field and 1 length of the pool (floatation device may be used)
Older tamariki (11-15 years) – 3-kilometre run, 2 lengths of pool
You can enter the ŌT as an individual or as part of a duo.
Entry $20 plus booking fee per individual and $10 plus booking fee per duo aged 16+.
Entry for ages 6–15 is one can or packet of non-perishable food plus booking fee. Food will be donated to our local food bank, please bring it with you on race day.
Training
To take part in the Ōtaki Try the minimum equipment needed is togs, shorts, t-shirt or vest, and running shoes. Most people use goggles for the swim.
You need to be able to do the distance for each leg and you can walk or run the run section if you wish. This is a great event to give you the motivation to get fit or for training and enjoy time with whānau.
We suggest you familiarise yourself with the run course prior to the event and practice lengths in the pool, going under the ropes.
Race schedule
All runners start together at 9.30am, followed by the swim.
- 8am – registration opens
- 9am – registration closes
- 9.20am – racing briefing from race organiser
- 9.30am – hooter sounds for start of running race
- 10am – registration opens for Tamariki Try
- 11am – tamariki race line up and briefing
- 11.05am – hooter for tamariki race sounds
- 12 midday – Ōtaki Whānau Day begins! Barbecue and whānau fun – pool open for all
What you need to know
On race day, when you arrive sign in at the registration table. Your race number will be written on your arm and leg. You may then find an area to leave your gear for the morning. Familiarise yourself with the starting points for each race event and the transition area where you can change for the swim.
During the race, you'll need to change in the transition area. There is no nudity allowed in transition. It's best to wear your togs then put your shorts and shirt over the top, these can then be removed and left in the transition area.
Pre and post-event there are changing rooms and toilets at the Ōtaki pool. Showers and changing rooms at the pool will be available for use after the event.