THE Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of fitness, fun, participation and the great Australian past-time of just getting outdoors and having a go.
What started in 2005 as a one-day event that attracted 350 athletes, has since grown to a nationally recognised three-day festival of fitness that attracts thousands of competitors and spectators, swelling the picturesque coastal village on the shores of Jervis Bay to bursting point.
Organisers and promoters of the event, Elite Energy, strive to make each year’s event bigger than the last and say the 2012 festival in no exception.
“Competitor entries are presently reaching the 4000 mark so it’s looking like this will be another record year,” said Mark Stewart from Elite Energy.
“The February 17–19 event has a packed program designed to accommodate everyone form professional athletes, to those wanting to try their first swim, bike, run event and fun events for people just looking to enjoy a little outdoor family time.”
Festivities begin on Friday with the 1000m metre ocean fun swim with categories available for all ages.
Saturday kicks off with the junior sprint triathlon consisting 300m swim, 8km bike and 2km run, followed by the enticer over the same distance.
The open sprint triathlon will follow with competitors tackling a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.
The kids will also get their chance to shine on Saturday when the Miniman takes to the water.
The Miniman event focuses on participation and encouraging a healthy, active and fun lifestyle from an early age.
All the young champions will receive a race singlet or T-shirt and a commemorative medal when they cross the finish line.
The Nowra Toyota tow-athon is one of the major fun events of the festival. Teams of five will compete to post the quickest time for pulling a Toyota up Huskisson’s Owen Street.
Each team must include at least one female and one member is required to steer the vehicle.
Saturday is also fun run day, and like the ocean swim, a variety of distances from 2km to 10km will be contested.
Sunday will be an early start for competitors in the blue ribbon long course triathlon event.
With three of the nation’s top five triathletes, including defending champion Pete Jacobs, already confirmed the event will be a true yard stick for the sport’s elite.
The entry list has been booked out well in advance and by the time the starter’s gun fires at 7am on the Sunday morning every athlete will be ready to tackle the gruelling 2km swim, 83km bike and 20km run.
In addition to the competition side of the festival there will also be a massive health and lifestyle expo.
“Some of the country’s leading sporting brands and nutritional products will be displayed and demonstrated to the public, some for the first time,” Stewart said.
“As well as being a great way to check out the latest products, the public will also have opportunity to negotiate some great deals,” he said.
For more details and entry forms visit www.eliteenergy.com.au
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