Thousands of athletes and their families and friends have made their way to the Sunshine Coast for the opening day of the 2024 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.
More than 1500 athletes raced in the Sprint Triathlon, with about half of those on the start line on Saturday taking part in the Mooloolaba Triathlon for the first time.
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Two of those new to not just the event but also triathlon were Laura Moloney and Keely Wallace, who travelled from Brisbane to be a part of the action.
“It was really good out there, a great way to start the morning,” Moloney said.
“It was good, great to do it with a friend, I think it helps you get through it, motivating each other.”
The pair enjoyed the great support from the thousands of spectators around the course in Mooloolaba.
“This is our first one, we pushed each other through,” Wallace said.
“Honestly the best part was doing it with Loz, we just had fun and were smiling the whole way.
“We’re definitely going to do another one. Everyone cheering each other on is so nice to see, when you’re passing people and they’re yelling out ‘go Laura and Keely’ it’s great.”
Saturday’s racing 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 sisters Courtney and Brittany Schoutrop enjoyed the atmosphere as they completed their first Mooloolaba Triathlon.
“It was pretty fun, glad the weather cleared up. The hill was a bit ‘how you’re going’ but it was a great day, amazing atmosphere,” Courtney said.
Cooper Carswell was the quickest male around the course, crossing the line in 1:02:01, with Hayden Small second and Lachlan Kerin third.
The fastest female on Saturday was Georgia Ensbey who finished in 1:09:20, with Tully Schweitzer 16 seconds behind in second and Maddison Yarrow rounding out the podium.
For more on the Mooloolaba Triathlon click here.
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