Michael Kimpton Message To Inspire, Endure & Achieve

On the weekend of the 25^th & 26^th July our award-winning not-for-profit Airlie Beach Triathlon celebrates its 26th year, becoming one of Queensland's longest running multi-sport events.

At the start of 2023 the event was heading in the same direction as the Bowen and Yeppoon Triathlon events... dead in the water!

I volunteered to become the Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director alongside a team of club members and the journey began to reinvigorate the event.

A detailed professional plan was prepared to ensure the sustainability of the event; something missing in the past.

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From day one it was imperative the triathlon source a suitable naming partner. If it was not for the generous financial and intellectual support from Paul Darrouzet and Coral Sea Marina Resort the event would have collapsed. 22 years of deep triathlon history would be gone in a flash and local juniors would lose meaningful opportunities.

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Now, the number of amazing local corporate sponsors exceeds 50.  

In 2024, the Whitsunday Triathlon Club was granted a prestigious award from Queensland Triathlon for "Club Initiative of the Year".

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In 2025 the Airlie Beach Triathlon claimed runner-up status in Australia as judged by AusTriathlon for "an event with under 500 participants".  

In January 2026 for the first time in 25 years, Tourism and Events Queensland made a substantial investment into our event, acknowleging its ability to generate local economic activity in our region, attract additional external visitation and drive social and community outcomes whilst enhancing the profile of the Whitsundays.

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In February the sponsorship agreement was reached. This was music to our ears and a wonderful acknowledgement of all our hard work!

In May 2026 our event also received unprecedented sponsorship from Whitsunday Regional Council. These wonderful contributions have assured its long-term survival.

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A key driver of all of this success has been our best-in-the-world Event Management Team. Their talent, commitment, skillset, expertise and passion are just remarkable!  

We look forward to seeing you at this year's event.  

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Saturday will kick off with a carnival atmosphere as our Junior Triathlon begins at 2pm, catering for 5 to 8-year-olds, 9 to 11s and 12 to 15s, all within the safe and secure precinct of the Lagoon and the closed Broadwater Avenue (up to the Coral Sea Resort). A spectacle to watch, with two junior bikes to be won. Kids are encouraged to have a go, and EVERYONE IS A WINNER!  

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Next, we hold the Open Water Swim. A fun event for all levels, we’re even incorporating an "Anything Goes" category for the flounders and would-be's!

On Sunday we hold the main event with three triathlon distances - an Enticer, Sprint and Standard/Olympic distance.

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If you prefer just one sport discipline, get a team together. It’s a great pathway into this amazing endurance sport.

My triathlon journey started in late 2017. Up until then I was only a casual runner and I needed more inspiration - this one sport was not enough of a challenge for me and I was not confident enough to run ultra events at my age. I needed more stimulation. Triathlon fitted the bill and now it is in my DNA.  

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Don't miss your opportunity to become a triathlete or be a member of a triathlon team on the weekend of the 25th & 26th July.

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All race entry information can be found at airliebeachtriathlon.com.au

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