The 2015 National Long Distance Triathlon Championships will be held in Tauranga, Port of Tauranga Half announced today.

Port of Tauranga Half also announced a new swim course in 2015 as well as incorporate the event into a larger Mount Multisport Festival.

Run over three days between January 9-11 the festival of sport will host a number of new and exciting sporting events for the whole family.

For those aiming to represent New Zealand at the 2015 ITU World Long Distance Championships, and earn the right to wear the Silver Fern, the Port of Tauranga Half is an event benefiting those ambitions with a great course, in a stunning location.

Athletes who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd within their age group at the Port of Tauranga Half, will be awarded an official Triathlon NZ Medal (gold, silver or bronze).

The Port of Tauranga Half, is also the primary selection race for the 2015 ITU World Long Distance Championships in Motala, Sweden.

To be considered to represent their age group at this World Champs event, athletes must complete the selection nomination form.

To qualify, athletes will need to finish within 20 per cent of the winner in their respective age group with a maximum of 10 people per age group to be selected, and be NZ citizen or permanent residents.

An iconic and hugely popular event, Port of Tauranga Half has long been recognised as one of the great summer events on the calendar and last year celebrated 25 years of great racing.

Further information on the Triathlon NZ ITU World Championships can be viewed here.