Moo Tri Shines in 29th Year

First time triathletes, veterans of the sport and rising stars highlighted the 29th running of the Mooloolaba Triathlon.

More than 4,000 athletes headed to Mooloolaba for two days of racing, with stunning conditions greeting triathletes, spectators and volunteers.

Rob Stalling, The IRONMAN Group Oceania Regional Director, said it was great to see so many athletes taking in the event for the first time.

“A highlight of the Mooloolaba Triathlon is how accessible it is to people and we saw that again this weekend with more than 50% taking part for the first time,” said Stalling. “It was great to see so many people achieve their goals and cross the finish line for the first time.

“I’d like to thank the more than 600 volunteers who joined us across the event, their support and assistance allowed us to put on a successful weekend of racing,” he said. “We can’t wait to return to Mooloolaba next year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mooloolaba Triathlon.”

Jade Yeung was one of the more than 2,000 athletes who took part in the Mooloolaba Triathlon for the first time, competing in the Standard triathlon on Sunday.

“It was a really good day, the atmosphere was unbeatable here at Mooloolaba, it was a tough race but I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else,” said Yeung. “It’s been on the bucket list, this is the place to do it, everyone is so motivated and it was a great time.

“I travelled down from Cairns and my family came across from Adelaide to see me race,” she said. “I think after a bit of recovery time I’ll sign up for another triathlon.”

Meagan Kellert, Sarah Hayes and Emma Hayes all took part in Sunday’s Standard triathlon, completing a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run.

“This was our first ever triathlon,” said Kellert. “It was fun, 100% we’ll will race again and recommend that everyone gives it a go. The swim was perfection today, it’s a beautiful place to race.”

Sunday’s racing was highlighted by the Australian Elite and Under 23 Standard Championship with Matthew Hauser claiming the men’s race and Ashleigh Gentle the women’s.

Leigh Anderson-Voigt won the Mooloolaba Triathlon Standard men’s race, with Amelia Watkinson the first female across the line.

Racing was also held in men’s, women’s and mixed relay teams, along with Sprint Drafting and Sprint Non-Drafting categories.

Full results can be found here.