First Timers Flock To Opening Day of Mooloolaba Triathlon 2023

Thousands of athletes and their supporters have made their way to the Sunshine Coast for the opening day of the 2023 Mooloolaba Triathlon.

Saturday saw athletes take on the Sprint Triathlon, consisting of a 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run, finishing on the beachfront at Mooloolaba.

The Sprint Triathlon is an ideal event for those new to the sport, with 60% of those racing on Saturday taking part in the Mooloolaba Triathlon for the first time.

Two of those new to the event were Lesleigh Winks and Heather Farrell who travelled from Brisbane to be a part of the action.

“It was fantastic out there today, it’s the longest ocean swim I’ve ever done in my life and I’m so proud of myself,” said Lesleigh. “I’m a cyclist through and through, I’m certainly not a swimmer or a runner so I’m so happy. The support out on course was absolutely amazing, particularly with the swim, I wouldn’t have gotten through it without Heather, everyone out there was so amazing.”

What made the day even more special for the pair was that they were able to race, and cross the finish line, together.

“We did the whole race together, it’s been a really good day,” said Heather. “We did a nice coffee ride pace out on the bike course, a nice cruisy swim and a lovely walk with a bit of running for the cameras.”

Saturday’s racing also featured an almost even split of men and women, with plenty of support for athletes of all ages and abilities as they worked their way around the course.

Brisbane’s Charlotte Cosgrove and Pip Taylor enjoyed the atmosphere as they completed their first Mooloolaba Triathlon.

“It was so good, lots of fun. I really enjoyed being out there on course and enjoying the exercise,” said Charlotte. “Everyone was so supportive, I’ve got some friends here and saw them the whole way.”

“It was my first triathlon and a great one to start,” said Pip. “I’ll definitely be back and am keen to step up to the full one. I enjoyed the run the most because that’s what I actually trained for.”

Ben Cook was the quickest male around the course, crossing the line in 1:02:43, with Casey Munro second and Keanu Staader third.

The fastest female on Saturday was Georgia Ensbey who finished in 1:09:57, more than four minutes quicker than Tamsyn Hill, with Taylah Arlidge third overall.

The Standard Triathlon will take place on Sunday 12 March, with triathletes taking on a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run. Sunday’s event also includes a relay option for those entering as a team.