Trial Bay Triathlon all set for 31st year

The two-day event will be held on the weekend of February 13 and 14 with entries rolling in to arguably one of the best entry level multi-sport races in the area.

Sunday's Coastline Sprint Traithlon doubles as a race for the North Coast Triathlon series supported by Triathlon NSW.

This year is a hang over event with the Hat Head Triathlon Club partnering with NXSport to promote the event, with local triathlete Greg Kings, taking on the roll as the new Race Director.

For the past 31 years the Trial Bay Race Committee has managed the events, now with several members retiring, but still assisting, the races are in excellent hands with an exciting future.

Last year the Sunday spring event was abandoned for the first time due to torrential rain caused by an east coast low system.

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This resulted in much of the cycle and run course going under water accompanied by hazardous surf.

Saturday's program begins at 10am, with a new enticer for those 14 and over including adults, designed for those wanting to make a start in triathlon.

After this comes the ever popular Nestle Junior triathlon series, now in it's 30^th year.

The junior races are always well supported especially by the local Smithtown Nestle company, with great giveaways and samples for all the younger triathletes, including a race shirt and medal.

Saturday's road closures will be between 10.00am and 1.00pm, for cycle leg only, with closure to main race on Sunday from 7am to 10am.

Moving onto Sunday's program, the 31st Annual Coastline Trial Bay Triathlon, will kick off at 7.30 am.

The 600m swim, 23km cycle and 6km run will see hot regional competition from clubs such as Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Hat Head, Yamba, Taree, Forster, Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah and the Hunter region.

The 2019 race winners were Lindsay Wall from Yamba, in a remarkable time of 1:06:09, closely followed by Brock Taylor from Cardiff and Michael Ylinen from Coffs Harbour.

The first Lady home in 2019 was Paivbi Hanninen from Byron Bay in 1:23:02, followed by Alison Brown from Yamba and Jess McDonald from Calala.

Two competitors, David Sewell from Taree and Steele Beveridge from Emerald Beach will attempt their 31st consecutive race with Chris Jenkins from Port Macquarie trying for his 30th. Athletes who have completed 10 or more finishes will be recognised as Trial Bay Legends.

This race commences at 7.30am with a 600m swim in the calm waters of Trial Bay then onto the 23km cycle which will be challenging enough with 3 turn around points, and several short hills taking riders around Arakoon Rd, Lighthouse Rd, Phillip Dr to the Country Club then back to the Goal.

From there it's onto the New Run Course, 6km of road, footpath and bush trails finishing in the area besides the main Amenities and Camp Kitchen.

The race distance and the course itself were designed especially for beginners, but is more than challenging for those who wish to give it 100%.

The race is open to individuals and teams of up to 3 members, with all finishers receiving a medal and event towel.

Entries are available online at www.trialbaytri.com.au. There will be no late entries on Sunday. Late entries may be available if limit of 350 is not exceeded and will be on Saturday between 4pm and 7pm with registration at the South West Rocks Country Club.

Residents around the cycle course should be aware of cyclists and road access restrictions during the races on Saturday, and Sunday morning along Arakoon Road, Lighthouse Road and Phillip Drive to the Country Club.

Funds raised are distributed to the volunteer community groups that help with the running of the events. All events will be conducted under Covid requirements with QR Code ID and marshals. There will be no official presentations, with competitors and spectators expected to leave at the completion of their races.