All set for the Aquathon

The highly enthusiastic Rob Battocchio has been organising the family-friendly MMJ Aquathon, held at Wollongong Harbour on Australia Day, for more than 20 years.

The exercise physiologist believes that “we bring something that’s going to be positive and allows the whole community to get involved, whether it’s volunteering, whether it’s cheering on the sidelines, whether it’s participating”.

Billy Anderson (11) is one of about 300 kids who participated in the last aquathon. He says he “felt pretty happy with himself” afterwards, and also “pretty shocked and very tired. I didn’t think I could do the run because it was quite long for me.”

He is looking forward to having another crack at the swim-run this January.

Billy reckons everyone can do it: “I think I got a stitch, like halfway. I put my hands on my head and just kept running so I could finish. I don’t really like swimming, probably my least favourite part of it. I’ve always been nervous about the ocean, something could bite me, but I just put my head down, swim hard and don’t think about what could be in there.”

Billy’s experience encapsulates exactly what MMJ Aquathon stands for: a fun and safe family sporting event, where everyone can have a go. Parents can swim alongside younger kids and there is a five-kilometre coastal fun run for any ability that kicks off the event at 8am.

The aquathon – the longest adult race is a 900m swim and a 7km run – leaves enough time to relax afterwards with an Australia Day barbecue lunch.

“This year we have the Blue Mile 5 fun-run: jog, walk or bring a stroller,” says Rob. “You start, you run and you come back. It is an opportunity for all.”

Each year MMJ Aquathon also teams up with a worthy charity. For 2022 this is Lifeline South Coast, raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. They have an important message to get across: exercise is highly beneficial for you, and your mental health.

Rob: “We like to strongly advocate the link between exercise and mental health. I challenge anybody to go for a walk, yoga or swim and afterwards ask themselves, do I feel better now?

“The hard bit is just starting. You have to get changed. You have to get on the bike. You jump in that pool. But then you’re doing it and you’re loving it. And even in the worst conditions, you feel the reward of doing it.”

MMJ Aquathon: Wollongong Harbour and foreshore, January 26. Event distances for all abilities: Kids Aqua, Mini, Short or Long distances plus the new Blue Mile 5 fun-run offers everyone a chance to be involved. More details: aquathon.com.au