Byron Bay Triathlon to attract newcomers alongside elite athletes

THE Byron Bay Triathlon will draw more than 1,000 competitors, with newcomers lining up alongside some of the sport’s top names.

The Olympic distance race, featuring a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run, will be the headline event on Sunday, 26 April.

The main race regularly attracts national champions and professional triathletes from clubs across NSW and south-east Queensland.

Australian long distance champion Sarah Crowley has won the open women’s event four times, the most of any competitor, while Alstonville triathlete Francis Rupnik was the open men’s winner last year.

The event is part of the North Coast Triathlon Series, with NX Sports leading operations alongside local volunteers and community support staff.

“It is one of the most popular events on the calendar and it’s continued to evolve over the years,” NX Sports race director Mike Crawley said.

“Triathlon is a destination sport and Byron Bay is one of the best locations you can ask for.

“We cater to a lot of different people, and the focus is just as much as welcoming new people to the sport who want to achieve a personal goal.”

The sprint distance includes a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run, while the kids course covers a 200m swim, 6km bike and 1.5km run.

There is a non-competitive introduction to triathlon for children aged 7 to 12 years.

The event will be supervised by officials, lifeguards and volunteers.

There are also aquathons, which remove the bike leg, with male, female and mixed relay teams.

Road closures will be in place, with special event signage posted throughout town.

Swimmers will start at Main Beach, with the finish line set next to the surf lifesaving club.

People can register and view start times for each division at byrontri.org.