The Garmin Noosa Triathlon continues to provide a positive impact on the local community, with the 40th anniversary event benefiting numerous groups and areas.
While much of the focus on the incredible racing performances on Sunday, including Ashleigh Gentle winning a historic 10th title and Kiwi Olympic medallist Hayden Wilde setting a new course best time on his way to a debut victory, the event continued to boost and benefit those involved away from race day.
The 2023 Noosa Triathlon has already raised almost $1.2 million for charity, injected more than $28 million into the local economy, along with $50,000 in honorariums being provided to volunteer groups.
The event also works closely with local businesses, with 20 from Noosa engaged to deliver a range of services, with an additional 12 contracted from across the Sunshine Coast.
More people than ever before were able to be a part of the action, with the broadcast of this year’s event beamed into more places than ever before, with Super Saturday and Sunday’s elite race available through Kayo Sports, YouTube and Facebook.
Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of Oceania for The IRONMAN Group, organisers of the Noosa Triathlon, said that it was great to see the event continue to benefit the local community.
“We were thrilled with the support from our athletes, the local community and businesses for the 40th anniversary of this much-loved event,” said Meyer. “The Noosa Triathlon is a highlight on the local events calendar, bringing athletes and their supporters from across Australia and around the world to the region and we look forward to it continuing to grow in the years to come.
“The event team loved seeing the ‘no vacancy’ signs up at hotels across the region, and with restaurants and cafes busy there was a great buzz wherever you turned over event week,” said Meyer. “This event provides an up to $30 million boost to the local economy, with that flowing through to businesses of all sizes across countless industries.
“It’s incredible to see that almost $1.2 million has already been raised for numerous charities, and with donations to continue to flow in for the next six weeks we look forward to seeing that total continue to grow,” Meyer said.
The event provided a number of opportunities for the local community to be involved, including through the Noosa Run Swim Run, Tour de Noosa, ASICS Noosa Breakfast Fun Run, 2XU Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim, Noosa Superkidz and Tingirana Noosa Special Triathlon.
A key partner for the Noosa Triathlon is Mater Smiling for Smiddy, with 350 athletes taking on the event and raising $590,000 along the way for the Mater Foundation.
Rowan Foster, Director Corporate and Community Engagement, Mater Foundation, said that the Noosa Triathlon played an important role in raising much needed funds.
“The funds raised through Mater Smiling for Smiddy provide a vital contribution to world leading research at Mater, advancing the treatment and care for people fighting cancer,” Foster said.
“The team achieved a record result this year, with 350 athletes raising $590,000, these funds allow Mater researchers to seek a cure for some of our most common cancers. Through new targeted treatments, researchers are taking key discoveries from the lab to the clinic to improve patient outcomes.”
While fundraising is a key part of the event for Mater Smiling for Smiddy, an added benefit is seeing people come together to train for a common goal and then race together.
“Triathlon can be an individual sport, so the wonderful thing about being part of Team Smiddy is the purpose and a real sense of camaraderie amongst those that participate,” Foster said.
“People from all walks of life and abilities come together across the weekend to make it about more than the finish line, dedicating their race to helping people fighting cancer.”
The 40th running of the Noosa Triathlon saw 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
