Race Update – No. 1 of 2
Race Day: Sunday 9 November 2025

This is the first of two competitor updates for the 2025 Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon.
Below you’ll find important event details, tips, and wave start information. Please read carefully and share this with any teammates who will not receive these emails.

For First Timers and Juniors

If you’re new to triathlon or competing in the junior events, we’ll be holding a face-to-face race briefing with our Race Director, JA Davis, on-site at the event compound, Camp Shortland (near Nobbys Beach, off Wharf Rd) on Saturday 8 November:

  • 2:00pm – Sprint and Enticer competitors

  • 3:00pm – Juniors

This session is highly recommended for all new participants.

Bike Compound / Transition Closing Times

Competitors must have bikes racked and be clear of the compound by the following times:

  • Starts - 7.00am - Bikes close - 6:35am – Wave 1 - Sprint

  • Starts 7.45am - Bikes close - 7:10am – Wave 2 - Sprint

  • Starts 9.15am - Bikes close - 8:45am – Wave 3 - Enticer and Junior 14y+ and Junior 12-13y relay

  • Starts 10.15am - Bikes close - 9:45am – Wave –4 - Junior 12-13y Individuals

  • Starts 10:20am – Bikes close - 9.45am - Wave 5 – Juniors 7-11y

Waves will all be rolling start with small groups being let off every 30 seconds. All times are net times from your swim start. Please be ready for you swim starts on the Eastern end of the beach (the Nobbys end!) 
 

Race Kit Collection

Race kits can be collected from the Admin Tent, located just west of Nobbys SLSC off Wharf Rd, Newcastle.

Collection times:

  • Saturday 8 November: 10:00am – 4:30pm

  • Sunday 9 November: from 5:30am until 45 minutes before your race start

Please bring your phone to use our QR code pick-up system for quick and easy collection.
A secure bag area will be available at the Admin Tent on Sunday for storing bags and phones.

ENTRIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE, SO GET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY INVOLVED. 

We can't wait to see you on race weekend!

- The H Events team 


 
 
ENTRIES STILL OPEN HERE
 
 
 
 
ALL ENTRANTS WILL GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN A CARBON ROAD BIKE, THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT THE BICYCLE CENTRE
 
 
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS
 
 
WELCOME VIDEO BELOW FROM THE TEAM AT SPARKE HELMORE 
 
 
2025 RACE BOOKLET 
 
 
DOWNLOAD RACE BOOKLET HERE
 
 

Course & Safety Information

The course map is available below and can be downloaded. The 2025 course remains the same as last year except the turn point on the southern end of the bike is further towards Newcastle Beach, with an additional no passing zone near some recently cliff damage on Shortland Espl. The run leg is also changed to run towards the Newcastle Baths end of the Forshore. 

Please note: while roads are closed under an approved Traffic Management Plan, this is a busy city environment and some parked vehicles may remain along the course. Always ride and run with care, follow marshal directions, and control your speed at all times.
If a motorist or pedestrian attempts to cross or leave the course area, revert to normal road or pedestrian rules and report the incident to a Traffic or General Marshal.
Your safety — and that of the public — is our top priority.

Key Course Information

  • Event compound: Camp Shortland, near Nobbys Beach off Wharf Rd, Newcastle.

  • Bike racking: Sunday only.

    • Sprint & Enticer access from 6:00am

    • Junior access from 8:00am

    • Junior and Enticer athletes can rack bikes while the Sprint event is underway, but please stay clear of the course.

Swim

  • Start: Horseshoe Beach (eastern end)

  • Finish: Western end of Horseshoe Beach

  • Start times:

    • Sprint: 7:00am

    • Enticer: 9:15am (subject to Sprint completion)

    • Juniors: 10:15am (except 14+ racing with Sprint)

  • All swims are beach starts. Waves are rolling. A few at a time.

  • Transition area: tarred car park — you may leave shoes or thongs at the swim exit if you wish.

  • Water safety: Nobbys SLSC will provide full water safety coverage.

  • The main swim course is for Sprint swim is rectangular with 2 laps and M-shaped for Enticer, with a high tide due at 11.50am we have an incoming tide throughout the event.

  • Juniors swim parallel to the shore, no more than 10m offshore.

  • Wave start times are below.

Cycle

  • Sprint: 5 laps of 4km

  • Enticer: 3 laps of 4km

  • Juniors: Various lap configurations (in line with Triathlon Australia rules).

  • Note: Juniors aged 13 and under do not go around Fort Drive and have a 3km course.

  • Enter Horseshoe Beach Rd on each lap.

  • Watch for pedestrians and follow marshal directions.

  • Speed humps are located along Shortland Esplanade.

  • There is one main climb on Fort Drive — stay left and never pass on the left.

  • The descent into the Nobbys roundabout requires caution; control your speed.

  • The turn point is the same for all distances.

  • 2 X short no passing zones are behind the surf club and cloer to the baths. 

Run (change from previous years) 

The run leg is a 2.5km loop, well-marked and marshalled along the Bathers Way and around the back of Nobbys SLSC and towards the Newcastle Baths.
Junior turning points vary by age group and are clearly signposted and staffed with marshals.

 
 
Waves - Start Times
 
 
Whole Course
 
 
Swim Courses
 
 
 
 
FAQ

Can I wear a wetsuit?
Yes — if the water temperature is under 24°C. It’s currently around 20°C.

Do I have to wear a swim cap?
Yes — it’s a safety requirement. You can bring your own or we can supply.

What sort of bike do I need?
Any roadworthy bike and an Australian Standard–approved helmet are fine.

Can one person pick up the team kits?
Yes, provided all team members have signed or agreed to the race waiver. You can complete this online or on race day.

Can I change a team member?
Yes — email admin@hevents.com.au by Wednesday prior to race day. On the weekend, ensure the replacement has signed the waiver. 

Where can I park?
There’s plenty of paid parking in Argyle St and Bolton St car parks, as well as in the Honeysuckle area. The tram operates from Wickham Interchange (note: bikes are not permitted on the tram).

Where do team members meet to change over?
Cyclists and runners meet at the bike compound, at their bike. You’ll receive instructions on race day. Make sure to pass the timing chip between teammates.

Can I wear shoes from the swim to the bike compound?
Yes — you can leave thongs or old joggers at the swim exit (out of the way of other swimmers).

Can we bring a team tent to the event?
Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own, or you can hire a marquee by contacting paul@hevents.com.au.

Is there food and drink on site?
Yes — grab a coffee or hot food near the finish area. The Nobbys Kiosk is also just 100m from the finish line.
 
 
 
 

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Published November 1, 2025
Author

Paul Humphreys

6 minutes to read