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Mark the calendar. On July 25th and 26th the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival will return to the region, and this year the stakes are higher than ever.
For 25 years, athletes have been pushing their limits against a backdrop that most people only see on postcards: The Whitsunday Islands. Clear water, warm air and a finish line that makes the long distances worth it. This is what destination racing looks like.
After claiming runner-up status among Australia's premier triathlon events in 2025, this year Airlie Beach Triathlon will be vying for the top spot.
Following last year’s recognition came a milestone 25 years in the making: this year, for the first time, the event is proudly supported by the Queensland State Government, and by Tourism and Events Queensland. That backing signals what the region already knows. This event is serious, and so is its impact on the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, hire companies, local operators — the ripple effect of hundreds of athletes and their supporters showing up in the Whitsundays is significant.
The 2026 edition also carries new weight on the national stage. AusTriathlon, the governing body for triathlon in Australia, has included the Airlie Beach Triathlon as one of Australia's official World Qualifying events — meaning age group athletes competing here have a direct pathway to represent Australia on the world stage. That's a game-changer for competitors and for the event's profile.
The professional field is shaping up to match the occasion. Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games representatives have already entered, raising the bar for what promises to be a standout weekend of racing.
Race registration is now open. If you've been thinking about it, don't wait. Visit airliebeachtriathlon.com.au to register
Volunteers are the backbone of this event, and the team is looking for good people to be part of it. Contact Val Kimpton on 0438 717 819.
A small number of sponsorship partnerships are still available for businesses wanting a seat at the table. Reach out to Michael Kimpton on 0417 717 818.
Contributed with thanks to the Airlie Beach Triathlon team.
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