The inaugural Long Course Weekend event format is hitting New Zealand on Waitangi Weekend 2023 where the Mighty Waikato will host swimmers, cyclists, runners, walkers and triathletes from all around New Zealand, and the world for the first edition of Long Course Weekend New Zealand (LCW NZ).

As the sixth nation to host the festival of sport event, Long Course Weekend New Zealand event organisers have taken advantage of what other host nations have done to ensure success of the new event concept.

'One method being, involving Event Ambassadors to help promote and spread the
awareness that LCW NZ is coming up and help potential competitors understand the vast range of options and how this is an event for the masses,” says an LWC NZ spokesperson.

Quinn Boyle. Photo: Supplied.

The 2023 Event Ambassadors range from school boy, Quinn Boyle who as an open water, endurance and ice swimming champion is looking forward to a ‘short' 3.8km swim during day one of the event festival as part of the HUUB Swim Karapiro event.

Other swim participants however will be using the longest available distance of 3.8km as a new challenge, practice run ahead of Ironman, or opt for the 1km or 2km swim options.

'Quinn is excited to take on a new swimming event in a location he's never swam in before, the stunning Lake Karapiro,” says an LCW NZ spokesperson.

Another Ambassador joining Quinn in the water, along with the cycle and run days also, is Thea Davies the only Ambassador to have already participated in a Long Course Weekend event, having done two in the event's host country, Wales.

'Thea is thrilled to see LCW reach New Zealand and being someone who doesn't do things in halves, she's signed up to take on the Full LCW NZ option of a 3.8km swim on day one, 180km cycle on day two and a marathon on day three! Thea's looking forward to an awesome weekend, where she can meet new people, explore a new spot of New Zealand and come away with a solid, fun training weekend with medals in prep for Ironman New Zealand in March.”

Conrad Smith. Photo: Supplied.

Taking part alongside Thea on all three days will be Blake Miller, an up-and-coming Triathlete from the Bay of Plenty.

Alongside them on day two, Shorland Peugeot Cycle Karapiro will be Michael Torckler (180km) and Kiri Barfoot (90km), with ex-All Black Conrad Smith also joining them in the saddle for the 180km.

'Conrad has also mentioned he might add in a swim the day prior and his wife will most likely take on the Craigs Investment Partners Karapiro Marathon on day three,” says an LCW NZ spokesperson.

'Our Ambassadors are coming from around the North Island to have a go at their preferred discipline/s and in distances that will challenge them but also suit their own goals and/or training requirements for other events they've signed up for in 2023.”

Blake Miller. Photo: Supplied.

Event organisers at Event Promotions have selected these Ambassadors as they showcase that this event is truly unique and made for the masses.

'With three disciplines on offer, catering for four types of disciplines and ensuring there are distance options suited to people from novices to elites. Come solo, with your partner or favourite training friend, or bring the entire family. This event is one that is expected to grow exponentially each year and you don't want to miss out on the debut in February 2023.”

Entry fee prices increase on New Year's Day, January 1 2023 at 12.01am and registrations can be completed at www.lcwnewzealand.com/enter.

Until then, read more on the LCW NZ Event Ambassadors here and take note of each one's top event tip below:

- Conrad Smith's Top Tip: Don't end up alone!
- Quinn Boyle's Top Tip: Go out hard and fast! Use the bouys for guidance of where you're going and be prepared with a good sleep the night before.
- Thea Davies' Top Tip: Have fun, enjoy it and keep moving forward.
- Kiri Barfoot's Top Tip: Make sure you use the loo before the race starts and always allow 15 mins in the queue and stick to what gear/food you know on race day. Bonus Tip: Pay attention to the marshals so you don't get lost!
- Blake Miller's Top Tip: Plan your race the day before step by step, then when it comes to race day, you don't need to use your brain, just your legs.