I've received a medal for a triathlon just once in my life – a big, bright, gold, plastic one.

I received it when crossing the finish line of the Weet-Bix TRYathlon almost two decades ago.

This Sunday, I'll almost triple the distance in my first triathlon since my 10-year-old legs carried me all the way through the 100m swim, 4km cycle and 1.5km run.

On February 26, I'll aim to complete a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 4km run as one of about 700 ladies in the annual generation Homes Women's Triathlon.

I'll be the one in the blue wetsuit and pink goggles waiting nervously up to my knees in the waters of Pilot Bay.

And I put the challenge to my fellow females to either join me or come down and support me.

Now in its fourth year, the entry-level event celebrates the ‘have-a-go' philosophy. Participants can register as individuals, two or three-person teams or in a special mother-daughter – racing as individuals – category. Girls must be aged 11 or older to take part.

Event director Miranda Clark says entries are tracking 'significantly higher” than previous years.

'The event encourages women and young girls to support each other, get active and give triathlons a go.

'Plus there's more than $10,000 in spot prizes to be won, plus we're giving away two major prizes including a flat screen TV and two Avanti bikes.”

Profits from the Generation Homes Women's Triathlon on Sunday, February 26, fund youth programmes and infrastructure for the Tauranga Triathlon Club.

For more information, go to: www.trichicks.co.nz