Workplace wellbeing and having fun are the main motivators behind the 2025 Sport Waitaki Tri Challenge being held next Friday (October 17).

An annual Dunedin-based Sport Otago initiative, this is the second year the event is happening in Ōamaru following last year's success, Sport Waitaki regional coordinator Sara Harding says.

The event gives colleagues the chance to connect outside of the office, have some fun together and prioritise their physical and mental health – all with some friendly competition, she says. 

The event is being held in Snap Fitness Ōamaru, and teams of three will complete a 1.5km row, a 3km spin bike and a 1.5km run.

High school students (Years 9–13) are also welcome to join, making it a great opportunity for rangatahi to get active alongside Waitaki’s workforce.

“While there are trophies for the fastest male, female and mixed teams, the real focus is on participation – having a go, getting active, and having fun,” Sara says.

With so much of our time spent at work, events like this are a valuable way to boost wellbeing, she says.

“We can’t wait to see workplaces rally their colleagues and get amongst it again in 2025.”

Sara is grateful to Snap Fitness Ōamaru for hosting and supporting the event again this year.

Snap assistant manager Samantha Johnston says the gym is passionate about “bringing the community together through movement”.

“Hosting the Tri Challenge is a fun way to encourage teamwork, support wellbeing and show that fitness is for everyone,” she says.

Registrations are now open with a $30 per team entry fee, and the event is adaptable for all abilities.

Teams will book a 30-minute time slot between 9am and 5pm, when they register.

Any money raised will go to Sporting Chance and Able Minds, two organisations that support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through sport and mental health initiatives.