The world-famous Garmin Noosa Triathlon will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, with a week of celebrations planned.
Triathletes from across Australia and around the world are descending on the region with the popular event a way for people of all ages and abilities to be involved.
The week-long celebrations are highlighted by the 40th anniversary of the Noosa Triathlon on Sunday, with thousands to take on the iconic 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run.
Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of Oceania for The IRONMAN Group, organisers of the Noosa Triathlon, said that excitement was building ahead of the anniversary event.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Garmin Noosa Triathlon this week,” Meyer said.
“Over the years the Noosa Triathlon has become a must do event for triathletes from around the world and we can’t wait to welcome a sold-out field to Sunday’s event once again.
“From its humble beginnings back in 1983 to becoming the largest Olympic-distance triathlon in the world the Noosa Triathlon has a special place in Australian sporting history and we look forward to adding another chapter to it this year,” he said.
“It’s great to see so many past participants coming back to be a part of these celebrations, it’s certainly going to be a week to remember.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Noosa Triathlon is an important part of Queensland’s great lifestyle.
“The Noosa Triathlon is one of world’s top ten triathlon experiences with a prominent place on the State’s It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“A further five years of funding support has been locked in by the Palaszczuk Government to help the iconic Noosa Triathlon continue to back good Queensland jobs and our visitor economy.
“It’s terrific to see the triathlon powering into its 40th year in Noosa with more than 21,000 competitors and spectators tipped to generate up to $27 million for accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators,” he said.
“You never know who you might spot at the starting line with professional athletes and celebrities alike voting with their feet to make Noosa Australia’s favourite triathlon destination.”
Tourism Noosa chief executive officer Sharon Raguse welcomed athletes and their supporters to the region.
“The Noosa Triathlon has been a part of Noosa’s vibrant events calendar for 40 years and is a true celebration of Noosa’s wonderful lifestyle,” she said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the thousands of national and international competitors who visit Noosa for this bucket list event.”
The Noosa Triathlon kicks off on Wednesday 1 November with the Noosa Run Swim Run, starting and finishing on Main Beach.
Friday will offer up a range of options to be involved in the event, starting with the Tour De Noosa – Garth Prowd Ride, with cyclists taking on a leisurely 28km ride beginning at 6am. Friday morning will also feature the 5km ASICS Noosa Breakfast Fun Run beginning at 7.30am, with the Fun Run raising funds for the McGrath Foundation. Friday’s activities round out with the 2XU Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim at 4.15pm.
Saturday morning will see the event’s youngest participants take to their start line, with the Noosa Superkidz Triathlon from 7.30am. Following that will be the Tingirana Noosa Special Triathlon which will see participants of all abilities take on a 100m swim, 3km ride and 500m run.
The pace will pick up on Saturday afternoon with the 5km ASICS Noosa Bolt and the Australian Open Criterium taking place.
Sunday will see the 40th running of the Noosa Triathlon, with thousands of athletes taking on a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run.
Noosa Triathlon is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
For more information on the Noosa Triathlon visit noosatri.com.au
