One of the Sunshine Coast’s largest events is set to return this week, with the Mooloolaba Triathlon taking place on 9 and 10 March.
The Mooloolaba Triathlon welcomes thousands of participants to the region each year, with the 32nd running of the event taking place this weekend.
More than 5000 athletes are headed to Mooloolaba for two days of racing, with first time triathletes, veterans of the sport and rising stars mixing together on course.
Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy, said this sporting event perfectly highlights the natural landscape and great lifestyle of the region.
“The Mooloolaba Triathlon‘s growing popularity and reputation as a world-class sporting event has made it a must-do for competitors and their support crews across the globe.
“This year’s event is expected to attract almost 14,000 visitors who’ll cheer, compete, eat and stay locally, support local businesses and make the most of the magnificent Sunshine Coast, while injecting more than $6 million into the local visitor economy.”
Geoff Meyer, The IRONMAN Group Oceania managing director, thanked the triathlon community for their ongoing support of the Mooloolaba Triathlon.
“We’re thrilled to have the Mooloolaba Triathlon returning this week, with more than 5,000 athletes set to join us for two days of racing,” said Meyer.
“This is an event that appeals to so many different people, from those just getting involved in their triathlon journey to veterans of the sport, and we look forward to having them all swimming, riding and running their way through Mooloolaba and its surrounds across the weekend.
“The Mooloolaba Triathlon has grown over the years to become one of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast events calendar,” he said.
“From its first running back in 1993 with 255 individual competitors and 74 teams, to this year where we will welcome more than 5,000 athletes and over 600 volunteers, the Mooloolaba Triathlon is an event not to miss.”
Sunshine Coast Events Board Chair John Williams said the mass participation event was a significant major event for the Sunshine Coast calendar and the wider triathlon community that choose to travel to the sensational destination.
“It is great to see the event grow from strength to strength with new and returning participants helping to boost economic benefits for Mooloolaba and the broader Sunshine Coast,” Mr Williams said.
“We really value the Mooloolaba Triathlon being held here, because it continues to offer such a good return on investment through the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Sponsorship Program.”
Saturday will see the Sprint Triathlon take place, which offers a great opportunity for a mix of people to take part, whether you’re a beginner keen for your first triathlon, or an experienced athlete who wants to race yourself against the clock. The Sprint Triathlon consists of a 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run, finishing on the Mooloolaba Esplanade.
The Standard Triathlon will take place on Sunday 12 March, with triathletes taking on a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run. Sunday’s event will also include a relay option for those wanting to enter as a team.
The Mooloolaba Triathlon is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
For more on the Mooloolaba Triathlon, visit mooloolabatri.com.au
