Illawarra Academy of Sport athletes Emily King and Sam Hughes have been announced as athlete ambassadors for the 2026 MMJ Aquathon.
The MMJ Aquathon has become an Australia Day tradition in the Illawarra and the event will celebrate its 26th instalment in 2026.
With a mix of five events featuring four swim-run aquathons along with the popular Blue Mile 5km Fun Run, the event caters for everyone, from kids to professional athletes with over 2,400 people from around the world participating in 2025, and raising more than $16,000 for local charities and sports clubs.
King, a netball athlete, will compete in the Long Aqua event comprising of a 900m swim and 7km run, while triathlon athlete Hughes will take on the Short Aqua featuring a 400m swim and 3km run.
“It’s going to be a really fun day and I am looking to get a podium result,” Hughes said.
“This is my first time competing in the Aquathon and I can’t wait for the event.
“It’s a good way to challenge myself and compete against other athletes.”
King is also an accomplished runner and CrossFit athlete and has been encouraging her IAS netball squad members to join her for the Aquathon, saying it’s a good way to start the year.
“I’m trying to get all the IAS netball athletes to do the Aquathon, as well and one of my friends from the Highlands who is a swimmer and she is coming down to do the Short Aqua so that will be good,” she said.
“The aquathon will give me a good challenge, start the year strong and set a high standard for the year ahead.
“This year I did the 5km Fun Run and next year will be the first Aquathon I will compete in.
“I love the water and it’s good to get out in the ocean but I will feel quite relieved to get back on the run leg.
“I hope to do pretty good, but I’m just looking to have fun and hopefully get a PB in the run.”
Event organiser Rob Battocchio said entries are now open for participants to register for the 2026 MMJ Aquathon.
“After an amazing fun 2025 record breaking edition, we can’t wait to bring the crowd back, past and new participants to Aquathon. All the event distances are back, with some small changes to start times and event area changes to maintain our focus on participant safety and experience,” Battocchio said.
Other 2026 MMJ Aquathon athlete ambassadors are Caitlin Cronin, a dual Olympian rower and bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Charlotte Neville, a 14-year-old Wollongong endurance athlete and multi event finalist in state surf life saving.
For more information and to register for the event, visit the 2026 MMJ Aquathon website – https://www.aquathon.com.au/
