About
The SHE Triathlon Series: A Legacy of Empowerment
The SHE Triathlon Series holds a distinguished place in New Zealand’s sporting history as a celebrated women’s-only triathlon event.
Its origins trace back to 2003, when my father, Shane Hooks, partnered with the iconic brand Kellogg’s to launch an inspiring triathlon series called Special K.
This groundbreaking initiative ran for three years under Kellogg’s sponsorship, culminating in a historic moment in February 2005 (see video below).
On that day, 5,100 women gathered side by side at Okahu Bay in Auckland, setting a world record for the largest individual triathlon ever held.
In 2006, the series was rebranded as the SHE Triathlon Series, and from 2007 to 2009, it was proudly sponsored by More FM.
In 2010, the series was gifted to Triathlon New Zealand, the sport’s governing body, which continued to run it for several more years.
Every photo on this website is from our series over 20 years ago.
We're back!
Now, in 2026, I am thrilled to announce the revival of the SHE Triathlon Series—a legacy my father worked tirelessly to build.
Tens of thousands of women who participated in the original series look back with immense pride.
Like my father, many of those women, who were in their late 30s in 2003, are now almost into their 60s. Yet, the essence of their stories remains unchanged: the series empowered them to achieve something extraordinary.
The Vision Behind the Series
The success of the SHE Triathlon Series stems from a deeply personal insight my father had while watching my mother.
Mum dedicated her life to our family, often putting her own needs last.
My father convinced her to join him in tackling the two-day Coast to Coast race as a team.
This was no small feat—he had to persuade mum that she could run the mountain pass on day one and, even more challenging, teach her to ride a bike.
Through this experience, he witnessed a profound transformation in her self-confidence.
This sparked an idea: could a triathlon inspire similar self-discovery and empowerment in other women?
A passionate triathlon enthusiast—or, as he freely admits, a “triathlon tragic”—my dad believed that triathlon, which he called “the most selfish sport on the planet,” could encourage women to prioritise themselves for a change.
His theory was simple yet powerful: by embracing a challenge that demanded focus on their own strength and determination, women could unlock incredible personal growth, benefiting not only themselves but also their families and communities.
He was right.
Tens of thousands of women rose to the challenge, proving the transformative power of the series.
There’s also something uniquely exhilarating about a challenge that feels a little wild, a little audacious. That spirit of bold ambition is at the heart of the SHE Triathlon Series.
A Family Legacy
My father’s love for triathlon endures. Even now, he organizes an annual event in Rotorua called Rotorua. Suffer. a middle distance triathlon as intense and spirited as its name suggests, which has been running for 26 years. These days, I handle the production of this event for him, keeping his passion alive.
I first participated in the Special K triathlon as a schoolgirl, and now, as a mother to a teenage boy and a 10-year-old girl, I have a deep appreciation for everything my father worked to achieve.
My mother said this was the only time Dad was ever right in his life. I think he’s been right twice. He recently told me, “It’s time to bring back the series, now more than ever.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Looking Ahead to 2026.
As we prepare for the 2026 SHE Triathlon Series, my father will be at every race, stopwatch in hand, serving as our official timer (and staying out of my hair).
I know he’ll be the proudest person there, cheering on every participant and celebrating the legacy he started.
Join us at the SHE Triathlon Series, where you’ll become part of a movement that has empowered women for decades.
We both can’t wait to see you at the start line.
Train safe, train smart.
Nat Waters (née Hooks)
Race Director, SHE Triathlon Series
2026
The SHE Women's Triathlon Series is more than just a swim, cycle, and run or walk. It's a powerful opportunity to hit pause on the demands of daily life and invest in yourself. This is your invitation to join a community of Kiwi women of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels for a shared challenge designed to help you rediscover your focus and put yourself first. Stepping back from the whirlwind of work and family life to focus unapologetically on yourself can feel like a big ask, but we believe you are worth it. The distances are intentionally achievable, and we've built a supportive environment to help you succeed. We know that a shared journey is more fun and that the load feels lighter when you're with others, so we strongly encourage you to train with friends. You can even form a team or choose a non-swim option to get to the finish line your way. This 2026 series is particularly special, as it marks 20 years since the last SHE Women's Triathlon. We are so proud of our history and the legacy we are bringing back to life. CLICK HERE to find out about this series' legacy. I am personally committing to relaunching this series for one simple reason: women deserve to make themselves a priority. I look forward to welcoming you to the finish line of your SHE Triathlon. Remember, you've got this! Natalie Waters Race Director
P.S. Memo to the men. Gentlemen, your support is key to her success. Women often struggle to put themselves first, so your role is to be her biggest cheerleader. Believe in her. Show the woman in your life - your wife, daughter, mother, or girlfriend - hat you believe she can do this. Your confidence in her will empower her to grow and reach her triathlon goal.Help her put herself first. Encourage her to prioritize her training above everything else in the household. Her needs are now priority one. Be ready to offer assistance in areas where she might struggle and even be a training buddy if she asks. Just remember that this is her journey, so let her lead the way. Your encouragement is what will help her feel empowered and ready to take on this challenge. In the end, helping her achieve this goal will be a huge win for both of you, showing her just how much you believe in her - plus, it comes with a serious supply of brownie points.