Seasoned athletes, rising stars and weekend warriors have relished the return of the Noosa Triathlon Festival.
About 6000 people took part in the 38th running of the race, which included a 1.5km swim at Noosa Main Beach, a 40km ride towards Cooroy and back, and a 10km run around Noosa.
Sunday’s triathlon headlined a five-day festival, which boasted several events and 9000 participants.
Competitors and supporters made a welcome return to the festival, after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
The event typically injects more than $25 million into the local economy.
“This is an event that is incredibly important not only to the triathlon community but to the local community and we’re thrilled that we’re back in action again,” Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, Geoff Meyer, said.
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Two-time Olympian Ashleigh Gentle claimed a record eighth title in the triathlon, clocking 2hr36sec, to edge out Milan Agnew by 27sec.
The 30-year-old was delighted to take part in the event once again.
“I love coming back to Noosa,” she said.
“It makes me very happy and I just love sharing this event with thousands of people racing on the course, but also on the sideline, so thanks to everyone who gave cheers.
“I missed it so much, it feels like it’s been a long two years …. honestly I was just so grateful to be out here and be at a mass participation event, and it’s definitely true with everything going on that you learn to be a bit more grateful for what you have.”
She savoured the win.
‘“It means a lot … I was pushed to the very end and I’m just pretty relieved actually.
“It’s a big one (race) and it’s a great one to win.”
Brisbane’s Luke Willian won the men’s race in 1:47.13, finishing just six seconds ahead of Nicholas Free.
“I’m over the moon, you grow up as a little kid watching this race and to win it has always been my dream,” he said.
Super Saturday
There was an action-packed schedule on Saturday, with the Australian Open Criterium and the Noosa Bolt, along with kids events.
Tasmania’s Lauren Perry took the women’s criterium title, ahead of Jessica Pratt, after a frantic race on Noosa Parade.
“That was huge. Anyone who knows me knows how long it’s been since I’ve had a win,” she said.
Queensland’s Liam Walsh won the men’s criterium, ahead of Zack Gilmore, after a sprint finish.
“The last time I was here I came off at the last corner with three laps to go so it was nice to make amends,” Walsh said.
“It’s the first big win of my career, I’ve come close in a few national championships so it’s a breakthrough and feels really good,” he said.
Some of the country’s top runners competed in the 5km Noosa Bolt.
Two-time Olympian Ryan Gregson won the men’s race, edging Jack Bruce.
“This is a race that I’ve never won but I’ve always wanted to and it just means so much to me. My wife was commentating and it was nice to get a win,” he said.
Tokyo 2020 Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle claimed the women’s crown, with the Adelaide-based athlete finishing ahead of Caitlin Adams.
“I’ve actually never been to Noosa before so I’m really pumped to be here. Noosa is an awesome place and it’s incredible to be here,” she said.
Hundreds of children and people of all abilities descended on Chaplin Park for the Noosa Superkidz Triathlon and Tingirana Noosa Special Tri.
The event was a special one for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games representative and long-time Noosa Triathlon participant Ky Hurst, with his son Koa taking part for the first time.
“For the last eight years I’ve been wanting to make sure that my kid could come here and I could experience this because this weekend is not just about the individual races, it’s about the whole family as well and to be able to share it collectively as a group,” he said.
The Tingirana Special Tri provided a great opportunity for people of all abilities to get involved in triathlon.
The event was created to allow people with special needs to experience a triathlon in a safe and welcoming environment.
Kingsley Ferguson was taking part in his fifth Special Tri, supported out on course by Anita Absolon.
“He was awesome, an absolute legend,” Absolon said.
“It’s just amazing that they get to compete and feel like an athlete.’
Fantastic Friday
Thousands of people also took part in events on Friday.
Cyclists hit the road for the relaxed 29km Tour De Noosa – Garth Prowd Ride, with proceeds going towards the Garth Prowd OAM Triathlon Scholarship.
More than 1300 runners turned Noosa Main Beach pink for the ASICS Noosa Breakfast Fun Run, raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
And more than 700 swimmers took on a 1km ocean swim, starting and finishing at Noosa Main Beach.
“These events provide an ideal opportunity for the local community to get involved in the Noosa Triathlon and it was great to have people of all ages and abilities out and about,” Mr Meyer said.
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