Ready, Set, Tri Mackay Triathlon Festival Returns For 2026

The BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival returns September 19th–20th, welcoming competitors of all abilities for a weekend of sport, community and active fun. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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A Mackay sporting tradition spanning more than four decades will return to the harbour next month, with athletes, families, first-timers and seasoned competitors set to come together for the 2026 BMA Mackay Triathlon Festival on September 19th and 20th.

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Dating back to 1984, the Festival has grown into a two-day celebration of triathlon and multisport, welcoming everyone from juniors and first-time competitors to experienced Age Group athletes.

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Saturday’s program features 500m, 1km and 2km Ocean Swims and Kids Races, followed by Sunday’s main program of Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike and Aquathlon events, with Enticer, Sprint and Standard distance options available.

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Mackay Triathlon Club President and Race Director Stephanie Allen said the Festival’s strong community focus remained at the heart of the event.

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“There is something really special about knowing triathlon has been raced in Mackay since 1984. Generations of local athletes have been part of this event, and we're incredibly proud to continue that tradition in 2026.”

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For those considering giving the sport a try, Ms Allen said the Festival offered an accessible starting point for competitors of all abilities.  

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“You don’t need to tackle the full distance for your first event. We’ve got smaller events that you can start with, and as you train more and get a little bit stronger, you can progress up to the bigger events from there.”

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At the Mackay Triathlon Festival Media Launch, held at the Mackay Harbour Surf Life Saving Club on Friday 21^st August, Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the event’s continued growth and success.

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“The numbers are growing again this year, which is fantastic.”

“These sorts of events do so much for our regional community.”

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Mayor Williamson said Mackay’s outdoor lifestyle offered plenty of opportunities for locals to embrace a more active way of life.

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“We have 32 beaches in our region, fantastic walking tracks and fantastic running tracks, so there’s no excuse not to get involved in something that can get your metabolism going and help you stay healthy.”

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Mackay Tri Club member Amanda Trend is one local who knows firsthand where taking that first step can lead. In around 18 months, she progressed from beginner events to completing a 70.3 Ironman, all while being a teacher, and a mother.

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“With the support of the club and all of our training, I made it. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and I think with that support, it makes anything possible.”

She encouraged others not to be intimidated by the challenge.

“It’s nerve-racking at the start, but you just have a go. Anything’s possible.”

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Dean Williamson Dental has joined the Festival as a Major Sponsor, with owner Dean Williamson also an active member of Mackay Tri Club.

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Having experienced the Club’s supportive environment firsthand, he said the community behind the sport was one of its greatest strengths.

“I love the sense of community, the support and the friendships that you get through the Tri Club.”

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The Festival will also offer a potential $19,205 cash prize pool, with prize money up for grabs across age groups, junior, teams and multisport categories.

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The event is proudly supported by BMA, returning as Naming Rights Sponsor for the third consecutive year with Kate Sommerville from BMA Hay Point Services participating; Mackay Regional Council, represented by Mayor Greg Williamson, supporting the event for a second year through the Mackay Events & Attractions Fund; first-time festival sponsor Whitehaven; Major Sponsor Dean Williamson Dental; and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP), providing vital infrastructure support.

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