Events | the-ruby

The Ruby10

Our 10km Marathon. Our longest swim. Your goal.

We have a structure just offshore from the start line for feeding station purposes.

You can stand at the side if you wish. You won't be able to touch the lake bed at the deep end (for the purists).

Your support person can be based on land and access the feed station as you approach.

Only accessible by swimmers and support crew.

Cut off time will be 11.30am'ish in the vicinity of the southern tip of the island allowing approx 4 hours 30 mins to complete and back to shore e.g. if you are on the western or northern sides of the island at 11.30am you will get pulled.

Wetsuits are optional.

We will advise on lake temperature right up til the day, but it will be for each person to make their own decision.

Water temperature can vary from 14°C (hopefully not less) to 19°C and even slightly higher. Be Prepared. Be Realistic.

This is the South Islands only 10km swim.

The Ruby5

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5km - It's not a long way. Is it? But it's enough. Perspectives matter.

We have a structure at the start line for feeding station purposes but you've had your breakfast and you won't need to stop for 5km right?

Starting at 8.30am you'll have plenty of time - 3 hours to get it done.

Wetsuits are optional.

We will advise on lake temperature right up til the day, but it will be for each person to make their own decision.

The Iron Ruby

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At 3.8km what a perfect name The Iron Ruby is. An Ironman distance in the shadow of Mt Iron.

Fancy yourself a sub hour time? Best time is 48 mins!

Training for something big, hairy & audacious? The Iron Ruby is one of the few 3.8km swims in the south Island. Use this for Taupo IM practice for March each year. Suit or no suit. You can take your choice.

Test yourself over 3.8km with two laps of the Island. Gauge your speed and find your place.

The Ruby

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2.5km - The centrepiece event.

A natural Masterpiece. The island so perfectly positioned.

Swimming around Ruby Island is no mean feat and at 2.5km it represents the perfect distance between the half tri distance of 1.9km and the full of 3.8km.

It's unique.

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The Jetty

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1.2km - Resistance is futile.

This has the potential to be a short but extremely fun sprint to the island and return back to shore with the added element of taking style points (and getting your best Xtreme Photo Ever) as you dive off the end of The Jetty to make the trip home.

Approaching The Jetty from the left hand side clamber out onto the small beach, run around onto the jetty and take a running leap to sprint back.

Have fun on this one and remember - Don't Trip!

The Island

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At 600m - The Island is an introduction to open water swimming.

Because not everyone can swim a distance in deep water. It freaks some people out !

You get to visit the island under your own steam and you know what? You can jump off the jetty a few times and run about the island looking for 'things' then get a lift back. And... you are gonna love the boat!

'The Island' is wholly based on the notion of providing an extremely safe environment to push your fears about deep water away - and make real progress in your swim ability supported by a veritable armada of floating friendly people.

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M!nt Ruby

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At 100m - 200m distance, is adaptable to requirements.

Created in 2020 after a request by The M!nt Charitable Trust, it's safe to say this little event has spawned way more than the sum of its parts.

Everyone deserves the chance to have a go, whether you simply love splashing around in the water, are a complete fish, or might just pop your toes in - it's great to be part of the day.

All participants leave with a crystal trophy.

The event start time will be 10:30am but on-the-day entrants must register before 9.30am (or previously on-line). We accept on the day entries for this event to be as flexible as possible.

Little Gems

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200m - Finish on the red carpet with the big people!

Although the course will be lined with helpers appropriatly placed, this is a 'swim race' and not a 'walk/run along the shallows' race. So don't wear shoes...

Even though the kids won't be far from the shore the lake drops away pretty quick so they will be swimming. The distance is not too far, but far enough to make a good first go at a proper lake swim. Which we hope will lead to more.

This is aimed at respectable early to intermediate young swimmers with their most important fans cheering all along the lake shore.

Wetsuits are not required, but if you have one then by all means... Amazingly resilient are the little people.

This (and the M!nt Ruby) is the only race we accept on the day entries.