With one of the best Triathlon courses in Australia, locally based organisers are claiming the new Lake Macquarie Triathlon Festival could be the next ‘big thing’ in sport events for the Hunter Region. With no major open triathlon events staged in Lake Macquarie since 1995, the new festival of sport will be a three-day event including standalone Swimming and Running events and 4 Triathlon events for all standards, including Juniors. Local Hunter based Race Director Ja Davis of H Events, said they are optimistic that this event could host a National Triathlon Title championships within 2-3 years. “With the support of the local business and sports community, this event has the right location, outstanding swim, cycle and run courses and a sports ‘mad’ Hunter Triathlon community’, said Davis.

The event has also garnered the support of the Committee of the Hunter, who have become the presenting sponsor. Committee for the Hunter CEO Alice Thompson said ‘The Committee partners with business, industry, governments, and the social sector to promote our region and build a sustainable and prosperous future for Hunter communities’. That’s why we are proud to join with H Events, Committee members, sponsors and community groups in the Lake Macquarie Triathlon, to be run on the scenic shores of one of the region’s top attractions for visitors, new residents and locals’.

Local businesses are lining up to support the event including Lake Macquarie Council, Quarry Mining, ARTC, Ampcontrol, KCE, Brokenwood Wines, The Athletes Foot, Bicycle Centre Hunter Valley. There is also no shortage of support from local service and sports clubs including the Rotary Club of Charlestown and Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club. Hunter Melanoma Foundation will also be staging an ‘Out of the Sun Run’ (5km run) on Friday evening to raise funds for their work in Melanoma prevention and support services.

The event is planned to be based and at Speers Point Park from Friday 15 March to Sunday 17 March in 2024. With all 6 Hunter based Triathlon Clubs of Newcastle, Tomaree, Maitland, Singleton, Scone and Lake Macquarie keen to race near home, the event has already gain substantial interest from participants from all over NSW.

 Schedule:

        i.            Friday 15 Mar 

                              a.            6pm - Hunter Melanoma Foundation Out of the Sun Run  

       ii.            Saturday 16 Mar

                              a.            9.00am – Lake Macquarie Aquathlon  (1km swim and 5km run)

                              b.            10.00am – Lake Macquarie Open Water Swims (1km or 2km)

                               c.            9.00am – 4.00pm – Sports Expo and Clinics

     iii.            Sunday 17 Mar

                              a.            6.30am – Quarry Mining Standard Distance Triathlon (1500ms, 40km cycle, 10km run)

                              b.            8.00am – KCE Sprint Distance Triathlon (750ms, 20km cycle, 5km run)

                               c.            9.00am – Ampcontrol Short Course Triathlon (250ms, 13km cycle, 2.5km run)

                              d.            9.30am – ARTC Junior Triathlon (various short distances from 7y to 11y)

For more race information go to https://hevents.com.au/events/lake-macquarie-triathlon-festival/home/ or contact Paul Humphreys on paul@hevents.com.au or call 0409684246.