Rainbow Beach Triathlon is a favourite
Rainbow Beach Triathlon is a favourite
Now in its third year, the Breakfree Rainbow Beach Triathlon will be held on the weekend of the 24th and 25th of August. Competitors can ‘Do the Double’ or race one sprint edition event – on either Saturday afternoon, or Sunday morning. By ‘Doing the Double’, competitors complete an Olympic distance event over 2 days – a perfect season starter, or hit out prior to this year’s London World Championships.
Event Manager, Phil Hungerford, says “We have been told the weekend is quite appealing to parents. Mum can compete in the ‘sprint distance’ events of 750m swim/20km ride/5km run on the Saturday and Dad on the Sunday or vice versa. The split event means babysitting duties can be shared.”
This year will also incorporate the inaugural regional club challenge, where triathlon clubs compete to earn their club the title of the ‘Queensland Regional Club Champion’. Strong interest has come already from a number of clubs, with clubs and individuals signed up from across Queensland.
“In fact,” Phil confides, “we anticipate a ‘grudge match’ between Hervey Bay and Bundaberg clubs – as registrations from these areas continue to grow.”
“We really encourage involvement from the kids in the local area – including Rainbow, Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove and the Gympie region.”
“The tri is ‘doable’ for any level of skill. The youngest age group (6-9 years) simply completes a 100m swim, 3km bike leg and 500m run, in fact this year it will be even more achievable with a safer, flatter bike leg.”
The only change in format from last year’s tri will be with the Active Kids and Active First Timers events. They will swim in the heated Rainbow Beach Pool and then transition on the tennis courts at the Sports Centre before doing loops of a 1km fairly flat course in the local circuit adjacent the pool (Green Valley Dr, Cooloola Dr, Double Island Dr, Turana St, Larapinta Crt). This will make it really easy for parents/friends to spectate and encourage the competitors. The run will take part on the grassed area adjacent the pool/Sports Club.
This event is an excellent way to keep the motivation up over the Winter months. The relaxed atmosphere of this triathlon makes it a great weekend for any triathlete – from the beginner to the highly competitive. Teams are also welcome in the Double or Sprint events and wetsuits are permitted in the Double Tri.
Event Sponsor, Cooloola Coast Realty’s Dee White says, “Andy and I will compete singly again this year. It’s only a week after Tough Mudder – so that will be interesting! Everyone’s a big fan of the course because the bike leg is so flat, and times can be very fast.”
The race starts on the beach, with the backdrop of our beautiful Coloured Sands as bodies plunge themselves into the Pacific. Following the sweep, the ocean swim leg travels 750m down the beach, with a short jog up to the transition area. The 20km bike leg takes advantage of our very flat, very straight road to Inskip Point. The race finishes with a 5km run in the town streets, cheered on by the crowds. Then it all happens again on the Sunday, of course that’s optional.
For those who are a little older (14 years +) or young at heart and would like to have a go at a triathlon themselves, they offer the Active First Timers event. It’s designed for high school students or adults wanting to have a go at their first triathlon. The course is the same as that for the 12-13 years: 200m swim, 6km bike, 2km run, held Saturday, August 24.
If you aren’t competing, why not volunteer to help? Groups like the SES and Surf Life Saving Club ensure the safety of competitors and are always in need of more hands. The Police also have a strong presence as some road closures are needed for the events. Local businesses help out, the Aquatic Centre is the location for the younger age groups, with the Surf Club car park holding the finish line.
Phil suggests that competitors “Call Break Free Rainbow Shores and Cooloola Coast Realty for your accommodation package. Great meal packages are available through Rainbow Beach Sports Club, Rainbow Beach Hotel and Rainbow Beach Surf Club for all competitors and spectators.”
Triathletes who book by the 15th August, can take advantage of early-bird discounts – visit the website for more information: http://www.rainbowbeachtriathlon.com.au
If you haven’t yet seen the Triathlon in Rainbow Beach, make sure you come down on the last weekend in August and cheer on the competitors.
