Final preparations are underway for the this weekend’s Mooloolaba Triathlon, with two days of racing set to take place across the Sunshine Coast.
The ever popular event will welcome triathletes from across Australia and a number of other countries, with the weekend of racing providing plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in the sport.
More than 5000 athletes will take part in the Mooloolaba Triathlon, with first time triathletes, veterans of the sport and rising stars mixing together on course.
Geoff Meyer, managing director of Ocean for The IRONMAN Group, organisers of the Mooloolaba Triathlon, said the team was looking forward to welcoming triathletes and their supporters to the region for the weekend’s event.
“The Mooloolaba Triathlon has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular events and we can’t wait to see more than 5,000 athletes out on course over two days of racing,” Meyer said.
“This is an event that welcomes athletes of all abilities and levels of experience with a great atmosphere across the weekend.
“For more than 30 years we’ve seen some incredible performances at the Mooloolaba Triathlon from those at the front of the race, as well as tens of thousands of athletes experiencing the sport for the first time, with the combination of the two part of the reason why it continues to be so popular,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the annual event had provided significant economic and reputational benefits for the Sunshine Coast since it launched in 1993.
“As one of the largest triathlon events in Australia, it continues to position the Sunshine Coast as the home of triathlon,’’ Cr O’Pray said.
“Mooloolaba Beach is the perfect hub for the event, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and accommodation.
“The wider Sunshine Coast offers an attractive event destination with an enviable climate, natural attractions like the Glass House Mountains and a friendly, welcoming culture,” he said.
“We appreciate the event organiser’s efforts to work with our business community, our residents and all the local event volunteers who welcome these elite athletes to our region for the weekend.’’
Saturday will see the Sprint Triathlon take place, which offers a great opportunity for a mix of people to take part, whether they’re a beginner keen for their first triathlon, or an experienced athlete who wants to race 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 also includes a relay option for those entering as a team.
For more on the Mooloolaba Triathlon visit mooloolabatri.com.au/
The Mooloolaba Triathlon is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
