One of the most physically and mentally challenging events held in Australia, Ultraman, returns to Noosa for the ninth year from 11 to 13 May.
The event takes place over three days with athletes enjoying the warm waters of Noosa main beach, and the rolling hills in the Hinterland.
Forty-one competitors with their family and crew will arrive a few days before, and many stay a few days after the event, bringing well appreciated funds to the restaurants and cafes on the Coast.
These athletes are coming from all over Australia, while some international competitors arrive from India, Mexico, Thailand and Singapore.
Seven countries are being represented this year following 11 last year.
Ultraman Australia is the step up from the Ironman race and the Ultra355 held in Hervey Bay. The event is also held in Canada, Arizona, Florida and Hawaii.
Day one starts with a 10km swim, which starts and finishes in front of Noosa Surf Club.
Each athlete has a paddler to guide them around the course and provide drinks and nutrition during the swim leg.
When the competitors emerge from their swim, it’s a quick change and onto the bike for a 146km ride.
Roads are not closed for this event owing to the small numbers of athletes. Riders head through Tewantin to Cooroy, Pomona, and turn off at Kin Kin through the beautiful rolling hills of Cedar Pocket to the turnaround point at the Gympie East State School.
They return via the same route and dismount at Lions Park Noosa Heads.
A quick medical check is followed by a well-deserved massage. At this time, the athletes start the refuelling of food and fluids to prepare for the next day.
Day two is a 5.30am start from Hastings St as the competitors head out on their 274km bike ride.
They do a loop out to Boreen Point before returning to Day one’s course through Cooroy and Pomona.
This time they head through Cooran and cross the highway to the Tuchekoi and Mary Valley Rd area. The riders head for Kenilworth, then Eumundi, Yandina, Bli Bli, Twin Waters and up the coast road back to Noosa.
These days on the bike, and also the run, are only possible with the support of the crew.
This team comprises a mix of family, friends, previous competitors and local volunteers who travel the course with their athlete. Food, water and electrolytes are passed to the rider (vehicles must be stationary) and cheering the athlete on is an important part of the role.
Day three, the athletes head out on their 84.5km run.
The course is through Noosa, Sunrise Beach and follows the coastal pathway down to Twin Waters.
Some runners from local clubs will be pacing with the athletes. As the runners turn to do their second marathon, they face mental and physical challenges and some need to dig deep to complete this day.
They return along the same course, but head through Noosa Woods down to the beach to complete the last 600m with their family and crew along Noosa Main Beach and through the arch to be crowned an Ultraman.
The record time for completing the event is held by Simon Cochrane, from NZ, in 19 hours, 48 minutes and 47 seconds in 2023.
He ran an incredible six hours, six minutes and seven seconds for the double marathon.
Two of the athletes will be competing in Ultraman Australia for the 4th time: Shane Duffy and Sean Pero.
Shane has also raced in the four international venues – he actually completed six Ultraman events over 12 months.
The training involved for this event is phenomenal and requires incredible support from family and friends.
Signs will be out on the courses for the three days to guide the athletes. If you see these amazing riders and runners, give them a wave and a cheer!
For more information see website: ultramanoz.com.au
