Vanuatu’s year-long sports events calendar

Vanuatu is establishing credentials as a sport and adventure destination in the South Pacific with a host of events lined up this year. They include triathlon, open water swimming and an adventure race.

Here are key dates for the events:

Vanuatu Triathlon, 27 April 2013
Havannah Harbour, Efate

On Havannah Harbour, competitors go head-to-head in an
Olympic distance triathlon course starting with a 1.5km swim in tropical reef filled waters, followed by a 40km bike ride through Efate’s lush landscape and villages, and finishing with a 10km run. This can be an individual challenge or teams of three can compete together. www.eventlogicvanuatu.com

50km Multi Sport, 19 May 2013
Port Vila, Efate

In this entry-level multi sport competitors get to swim and paddle for 1km in Port Vila’s lagoon, followed by a 40km bike ride along coastline of Efate, before a 6km run to cross the finish line. www.racevanuatu.com

Vanuatu Open Water Swim, 15 June 2013
Port Vila, Efate

The premier event is a 3.2km swim around the Island of Iririki,
in Port Vila harbour. For newcomers to the sport there is also a
shorter 1.5km swim in the harbour over a triangular course. All levels are welcomed. www.vanuatuswim.com

Wilco Island Relay, 20 July 2013
Around Efate

Teams of 10 battle it out on the 132km track around Efate Island in this relay race of endurance through tropical jungle, beaches and local villages. www.islandrelay.com

75km Multi Sport, 17 August 2013
Havannah Harbour, Efate

Teams of three can take on the challenge to become the ultimate weekend warriors by out running, swimming, riding and paddling the other teams in a 1.5km swim, 60km bike ride,4.5km paddle and 9.5km run. www.racevanuatu.com

Two day – Multi Sport Championship, 21
and 22 September 2013
Around Efate

Held over two days, this multi sport event is for teams of two competing in different activities such as tubing, running, swimming, paddling, biking, horse-riding and more mystery activities taking place throughout Efate. www.racevanuatu.com

Vanuatu Adventure Race, 18 – 20 October 2013
Around Efate

The Vanuatu Adventure Race is an annual event which takes place over three days in
Efate, combining trekking, swimming, abseiling, kayaking, snorkelling and archery. www.racevanuatu.com

Booking a trip: Vanuatu Escapes offers packages for the Vanuatu Open Water Swims in June that include flights, accommodation, swim event package and transfers.

Five-night packages start from AUD1,325 from Brisbane and AUD1,369 from Sydney.

Vanuatu Escapes can also provide tailor-made packages for the other events. Visit www.vanuatuescapes.com.au