The inaugural Auto & General Cross Triathlon at Steyn City attracts top athletes and sporting legends

Auto & General

Johannesburg’s athletes are warming up for the prestigious, inaugural Auto & General Cross Triathlon, powered by HOT 102.7FM, taking place at Steyn City on 26 February.

Ricardo Coetzee, Head of Auto & General Insurance, and the headline sponsor of the event, is thrilled by the support given to the event so far. “With just two weeks to go, there are only a handful of entries available,” he says.

He attributes the massive interest in this new event to the fact that it is highly accessible to all: elite triathletes can pit themselves against fellow competitors, and families, friends and colleagues can take part in a relay version of the triathlon, participating in just one discipline (swim, run or cycle). “Whether you’re intent on using this event as a step towards the upcoming Ironman, or simply want to enjoy your favourite exercise in a beautiful setting, you’ll love taking part in this prestigious triathlon,” Coetzee promises.

The choice of Steyn City as the event owner and host is significant, says Giuseppe Plumari, CEO of Steyn City Properties. “Ours is the only development in Gauteng that is able to host an event of this nature,” he says, “thanks to the world class calibre of our facilities.” He is confident that participants will especially appreciate these facilities, including the clear crystalline waters of the 300m lagoon, the mountain bike track and floodlit promenade for running. “One of the benefits of living at Steyn City is that these amenities are available to all residents, every day, making it possible for them to train in their favourite sporting discipline in a secure environment and live an active lifestyle rooted in wellbeing,” he adds.

Those who are supporting the participants will be able to experience a taste of this lifestyle after the event, when they are able to join entrants at the beautiful lagoon. Refreshments from the Laguna kiosk will be available, alongside delicious fare from several food vendors. With exciting water based activities like slides, pedalos and kayaking on offer and 

HOT 102.7FM – media partner to the event – providing the entertainment, the mood is sure to be festive and fun.

HOT 102.7FM has added to the action in another way, too, by creating a challenge between Joburg’s Hottest Breakfast show and the Big Joburg Drive (afternoon show). Listeners were invited to WhatsApp the station a motivation to participate in one of the event’s disciplines, as a representative of their team. Two former Springbok rugby players Warren Brosnihan and Breyton Paulse will be taking up the challenge: Brosnihan will be riding for Joburg’s Hottest Breakfast while Paulse gets in the saddle on behalf of the Big Joburg Drive. “Having trained along Steyn City’s MTB track a couple of times, I can confidently say that it’s going to be a fantastic ride! This is a great course with many exciting obstacles, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to the event,” says Brosnihan, mentioning his enthusiasm around the relay format.

His excitement is shared by Conrad Stoltz, seven-time World Champion and fellow participant. “It’s great to see off-road triathlons becoming popular again,” Stoltz says. “I am truly happy to see such a cool new event on the calendar. I have heard many good things about Steyn City and look forward to seeing the development myself, and experiencing the exciting new event.”

Emma Pallant, two-time world duathlon champion, is another famous face from the world of sport who will be participating in a relay team for the triathlon. Pallant is completing the swim and run, while her friend Danny Spence completes the cycle. The professional triathlete says that the event is a great opportunity for cyclists looking to become regular triathletes. "I sometimes train at Steyn City and am impressed with the development’s facilities. Steyn City already has great MTB track and running trails and the new lagoon gives you the option to do open water swims in sparkling clean water, so it is ideal for a Cross Triathlon event," she says.  

“We can’t wait for race day!” Plumari says. “We are so pleased  to be able to host an event of this magnitude, which we are certain is going to become a firm favourite on the Johannesburg sporting calendar.”

The Auto & General Cross Triathlon powered by HOT 102.7FM will take place at Steyn City on Saturday 26 February 2022. Visit www.steyncity.co.za for all the details.