Trial Bay Triathlon set to celebrate 30th year

The initial dream of the late Garry Gillies, a prominent South West Rocks surf champion and International Ironman triathlete, saw the first race held at Trial Bay with just on 30 competitors, transition was a grassed area, there were no bike racks, bikes were leaned on trees, no referees or draft busters were required, the only rule was race and enjoy.

Competitors increased each year and we achieved what we had dreamed of, to have a race that showcased the area, promoted the local economy and gave back to the community.

The course and date was selected to attract visitors in the slow period between Christmas and Easter, provide achievable distances with a safe swim in Trial Bay, a cycle through the shady National Park and a unique combination road, bush track and beach run.

Back then there was two major distances, the Olympic distance of 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and a 10km run or the Ironman distance of 3.8km swim, 180km cycle finishing with a 42.2km marathon run, much too long to attract to beginners.

Along with Peter Needs as race director, the two designed a race to fit the geography of the area with a race distance to suit ladies and beginners to get them interested and have fun.

The initial race was a 600m swim, 26km cycle and a 6km run. The current distances of a 500m swim, 23km cycle and 6km run evolved from creating a safer cycle and swim course to cope with the now 400 to 600 competitors on the course to spread competitors over the distances with staged wave starts from the swim.

The Trial Bay Triathlon is unique in that it is a community run event with the cooperation of National Parks, Kempsey Council and the Volunteer groups of South West Rocks and the greater Macleay Valley, with all profits distributed back through those groups that support the event.

Long time supporters Coastline Credit Union and the South West Rocks Country club are integral in financial support to help cover mandatory insurances, registrations and permits required to comply with the running of a safe and sanctioned race.

The Triathlon Committee, a group of local volunteers meet year round with the community groups, local, state and national bodies for permits and sanctioning along with the Triathlon sponsors for the February event, and also for the South West Rocks Running Festival held in June with races from 5km to 42.2 km Marathon and running events for children.

Competitors come from all over NSW with massive support from the Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour clubs along with the Hunter, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Inverell, Armidale and the

Clarence Valley and our local major club from Hat Head. Awards go to the best represented club.

This year we expect two athletes will complete their 30th consecutive races, David Sewell from Taree and Steele Beveridge from Emerald Beach and with Chris Jenkins from Port Macquarie expecting to finish his 29th.

After the initial success of the adult race Garry and Peter decided to set up a junior race series for children 5 to 15 years to promote fitness and interest in outdoor activity, this became the Nestle Mini Tri Series and this will be the 28th consecutive year with Nestle being the inaugural and current supporter of this race.

North Coast local, Emma Moffat from Safety Beach after racing these races went on to win an Olympic bronze medal representing Australia in Triathlon.

All Nestle Juniors competitors/finishers receive a finisher’s medal, Milo and a Nestle shirt Finishers in the Adult Triathlon will receive a special 30th anniversary finisher’s medal and a commemorative Trial Bay Triathlon beach towel.

Free live entertainment before and after presentation from locals  Josh and Amos on guitar.

Entries are filling fast so register early.

Initial entries close 5pm Tuesday 5th February 2019, information can be obtained on the Trial Bay Triathlon site; www.trialbaytri.com.au.

All enquiries on trialbayi@gamil.com.

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