The first Kiama Triathlon, hosted by Elite Energy on October 13, was a huge success, drawing hundreds of competitors and visitors to the area. 

The event saw 458 athletes tackle the standard and sprint events, bringing a crowd of visitors to the area to watch the competition, providing a significant boost to local businesses and amenities.

“There would have been around 800 out of towners if you include partners. So, the event finished around 10 and I’m betting there’s a good chance people were looking for coffee, breakfast or lunch afterward,” says Kiama Triathlon Club Vice President Geoff Besnard.

23 members of the Kiama Triathlon Club (KTC) competed and many of those earned themselves a place on the podium. Other than competing, members of KTC and the local Kiama Run Club volunteered to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Besnard says the feedback has all been positive, both locals and competitors praising the event. The biggest hit of the day? The swim leg in the Minnamurra River, the waters in pristine condition. 

“I’m yet to hear any negative feedback,” says Besnard. “Bike course worked very well. Due to the restricted traffic - no one complained about issues with cars. That river is the best place to swim, everybody raved about it. It’s crystal clear and the tide was helping everyone - so everyone was quite pleased.”

Besnard says that he is hopeful the overwhelmingly positive feedback signals that the event could become an annual fixture for Kiama.

“I suspect it will be back. I think it was enough of a success and the locals seemed to embrace it. People I’ve been talking to have said that everywhere they went there were people hanging over fences watching,” says Besnard.

“There is nothing to suggest, as long as Council are on board, that it wouldn’t become an annual event going forward.”

The Kiama Triathlon Club expressed their gratitude via Facebook, stating, “A big thanks to both KTC and Kiama Run Club members who volunteered to ensure the event ran seamlessly.”

They also acknowledged the support from local residents in Minnamurra and Kiama Downs, many of whom set up outside their homes to cheer on the athletes. Special recognition was given to a group of innovative young boys who organised a home bake sale, with hopes that they made some worthwhile pocket money!