Celebrating 25 years of Mooloolaba Triathlon
One of the Sunshine Coast’s signature major events, the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival, celebrates its 25th Anniversary this weekend with more than 5000 competitors involved in a series of spectacular races across the three days.
One of the Sunshine Coast’s signature major events, the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival, celebrates its 25th Anniversary this weekend with more than 5000 competitors involved in a series of spectacular races across the three days.
The year’s festival is highlighted by the Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup on Saturday, where some of biggest names in triathlon will compete, and the Mooloolaba Triathlon age group and team events on Sunday.
Local business owners are gearing up to welcome the thousands of participants and their supporters who have already started to descend on the Coast. For many, it’s an annual visit which they extend after the race.
Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy owner Mario Barbagallo has witnessed the event grow over the years and welcomes the business and profile that the festival brings to the area.
Mr Barbagallo said that creating a welcome atmosphere and understanding the needs of both the participants and their supporters is key to leveraging the benefits that events like this bring.
“Not only do participants come in for essential supplies, we see a lot of business from their friends and supporters who stock up on everything from sunscreen to phone chargers,” Mr Barbagallo said.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the region was excited about the 25th celebrations of the signature triathlon event.
“The Sunshine Coast has proudly hosted this iconic tri festival for 25 years, reinforcing our region’s reputation for being the home of triathlon in Australia,” Cr OPray said.
“It’s also a fantastic event our local region as it brings an estimated economic contribution of $6.2 million and benefits a range of business from accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, food providers and chemists to name a few.
“It’s also a great event for spectators, so we invite our local residents to come on down celebrate the festival’s milestone anniversary.”
Mooloolaba Triathlon is famous for its ocean swim in the sheltered bay which is perfect for first timer and seasoned triathletes.
This year’s festival includes the ASICS Mooloolaba Twilight sprint and 5km run on Friday evening, and the 1k Ocean Swim, Superkidz Triathlon and the Special Tri on Saturday.
For information on the event, park and ride options and changed traffic conditions visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/majorevents
1993 Mooloolaba Triathlon
- In 1993, 255 individual competitors and 74 teams competed in the inaugural event.
- The cycle course looped up over Buderim Ave, down the motorway, back onto Brisbane Road then up the front of the esplande 5 times.
- The run leg was 2 laps out and back and the transition area was located where the finish line is today.
- Brad Bevan and Alexandra Laws were the inaugarual champions
- The presentations were held at the Mooloolaba Pub beer garden which was on the front of the esplanade.
- Benny Pike called everyone that day, by himself with no computer aids.
- Courtesy of Toby Coote Head Coach at Sunshine Coast Tri Academy
2017 Mooloolaba Triathlon
- In 2017, approximately 4,000 total competitors, including just over 400 teams are registered to compete.
- In 2017 the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is recognised as the 2nd largest Triathlon event in Australia (largest is the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival).
- Catering for competitors of all abilities and age groups, the Mooloolaba Triathlon has grown into one of the largest Olympic Distance (1.5km swim/40km cycle/10km run) triathlon events in Australia.