Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Airlie Triathlon This Weekend!

Airlie Beach will be buzzing this weekend as athletes from across the state, and some from around Australia, compete in the Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival – testing their mettle against each other in the spirit of camaraderie and community.

To the backdrop of our stunning Whitsunday vistas over 200 individuals, ranging from as young as six right up to people in their 70’s, will participate in an array of events that have designed to suit every age, stage, and development level.

The weekend begins with the Sebel Whitsundays Junior Triathlon where youngsters will swim laps of the Airlie Beach Lagoon, followed by a ride along Broadwater Avenue and a run along the Airlie Beach boardwalk.

Saturday also sees the return of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Ocean Swim, with distances ranging from 1500m and 750m.

“If you aren’t particularly confident in the water, then the ‘anything goes’ – a 750 metre swim may be for you. Wear your fins, use a pool bouy, even swim with a mask and snorkel,” said event organiser James Carman.

An event for the whole community to enjoy, the festivities kick-off at 1.30pm from the Broadwater carpark near the lagoon and the public are invited to come down, enjoy the spirit of the festival, get refreshments from the food vans, soak-up the entertainment and free amusements.

A firework display will also take place at 7pm that evening.

The serious racing starts on Sunday morning at 6am with the Sprint, Enticer and Olympic distance triathlons – once again the community are invited to watch the spectacle – either at the start of the race, the moment athletes sprint from their swim to mount their bikes or at the finish line.

“We have once again attracted a stellar male and female professional field including the nine-time Airlie Beach Triathlon winner Sam Betten and fresh off a win at the Husky Ultimate, Caleb Noble, and will result in a hotly contested race, from start to finish,” said Mr Carman.

The Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival is on this weekend from Saturday, April 23 to Sunday, April 24 – for full details head to airliebeachtriathlon.com.au.

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