Iconic Noosa Triathlon celebrates 40th anniversary
Classic Australian event features excellent field and live coverage that will air on Saturday afternoon in North America.
Photo by:
Kevin Mackinnon
One of the world’s most iconic triathlon races is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and we’re on hand to check out all the action. The Garmin Noosa Triathlon got started in 1983 with just 180 athletes (with a number getting lost on the bike). Since then it has grown to be one of the largest (with 7,500 athletes this year, it is expected to be the largest) triathlons in the world.
You can follow the triathlon action live on Ironman’s YouTube channel. The race begins at 6:15 am local time, which will be 4:15 pm EST (1:15 pm PST) on Saturday, Nov. 4.
While Sunday’s triathlon remains the flagship event of the weekend, there are a number of other races and activities that make the week here in Noosa truly a multisport festival.
Things kicked off on Wednesday, Nov. 1, with the Noosa Run Swim Run, starting and finishing on Main Beach. Friday began with the Tour De Noosa – Garth Prowd Ride, with cyclists taking on a leisurely 28km ride beginning at 6 am. That was followed by a the 5 km Asics Noosa Breakfast Fun Run beginning at 7.30am, with the Fun Run raising funds for the McGrath Foundation. Friday’s activities rounded out with the 2XU Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim at 4.15 pm.
Saturday morning will see the event’s youngest participants take to their start line, with the Noosa Superkidz Triathlon from 7.30 am. Following that will be the Tingirana Noosa Special Triathlon which will see participants of all abilities take on a 100m swim, 3km ride and 500m run.
The pace will pick up on Saturday afternoon with the 5 km ASICS Noosa Bolt and the Australian Open Criterium taking place.
Sunday will see the 40th running of the Noosa Triathlon, with thousands of athletes taking on a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run. The race will also see Australian Olympian multiple PTO Open winner Ashleigh Gentle look to take a 10th title, while New Zealand Olympic bronze medalist Hayden Wilde highlights the men’s field.
We’ll have lots more from here in Noosa – Triathlon Magazine editor Kevin Mackinnon is here to cover the exciting weekend of racing, so stay tuned for more from the beautiful Queensland coast.
