Thousands of athletes and their supporters are set to power a $5.5m injection into the Sunshine Coast economy, at one of the country’s biggest mass-participation events.
More than 5000 competitors and an estimated 5000 of their supporters have converged for the Mooloolaba Triathlon festival.
The main race, which includes a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run, will be held early Sunday.
Roads and car parks will be closed at various stages from March 6 to March 14.
That includes major thoroughfares like the Sunshine Motorway, Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba Esplanade, Alexandra Parade and Buderim Avenue.
The festival has become a bucket-list event for endurance athletes since it started in 1993.
Sunshine Coast Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said it provided a huge boost to the region.
“As the second largest triathlon in Australia, the Mooloolaba Tri continues to position the Sunshine Coast as the home of triathlon in Australia, with the 30-year event a must-do among the national and international triathlon community,” he said.
“The tri generates significant tourism benefits in what traditionally is a low tourism period in March.
“The economic benefit to the region is estimated to be worth more than $5.5 million per annum.”
Mr O’Pray said visitors were drawn to the event, largely because of its location.
“Mooloolaba Beach consistently features in the Top 10 beaches – South Pacific list for Tripadvisor, with its sweeping ocean views, stunning beach lifestyle and variety of cafes, bars, accommodation and easy parking,” he said.
“The wider Sunshine Coast offers an attractive event destination with an enviable climate, natural attractions like the Glass House Mountains and a friendly, warming culture.
“Our region is easily accessible with its own international airport linking to numerous Australian cities as well as New Zealand, and more than four million people reside within a two-hour drive to the Sunshine Coast.”
Geoff Meyer, managing director of Oceania for The IRONMAN Group, said the Mooloolaba Triathlon was a wonderful inclusion on the group’s calendar.
“This is an event that welcomes athletes of all abilities and levels of experience with a great atmosphere across the weekend,” he said.
“For more than 30 years we’ve seen some incredible performances at the Mooloolaba Triathlon from those at the front of the race, as well as tens of thousands of athletes experiencing the sport for the first time, with the combination of the two part of the reason why it continues to be so popular.
Car park and road closures around Mooloolaba are from March 6 to March 14. The Sunshine Motorway is likely the main road to be closed, from Sunday, March 12, 5am until 11.15am.
Changed traffic conditions: see the full list of car park road closures
Mr O’Pray said detours would be in place.
“Event organisers have evolved and adapted the event, honing course routes and continually working to minimise disruption to locals and ensure minimum impact on the wider community.”
Council has a three-year arrangement with the event from 2022 to 2024.
Festival main events
- Saturday, March 11, 6.16am: Sprint race for para-triathletes and age groups.
- Sunday, March 12, 6.15am: Triathlon race for opens, para-triathletes and age groups.
- Sunday, March 12, 8.26am: Triathlon race for teams.
