About four-hundred athletes plus their supporters will experience the wilder side of Port Stephens this weekend and make a sizable contribution to the economy.
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A series of events is planned across Saturday and Sunday as part of the TreX Cross Triathlon and Tomaree Trail Run Festival, with those competitors and supporters sleeping and dining in Port.
Port Stephens Council's tourism and events coordinator Janelle Gardner said the event would deliver a significant economic return with 70 per cent of participants coming from outside the Hunter.
"These are fantastic events for Port Stephens to host, as they show off our amazing natural assets to a global audience, all while bringing an economic boost to our local businesses, to the tune of around $120,000," Ms Gardner said.
"These events aren't just for serious athletes either. There truly is something for the whole family, whether you're a beginner just starting out, an amateur competitor or you have kids who want to get involved too.”
Across the weekend In2Adventure will host six triathlon events and three trail run events in Fingal Bay, including a half marathon, 11km and 6km races.
In2Adventure's event director Robyn Lazenby says Port Stephens is the perfect backdrop for the TreX Series.
“We take this all around Australia,” she said.
“It’s a great place to be [already] one of our favourites.
“The course is looking really good.”
On Monday morning, organisers already had 70 per cent of the course marked out. Early arrivals have alreadty begun their reconnaissance runs.
"TreX competitors will swim in the sea at Fingal Bay, mountain bike in Tomaree National Park and finish off with a challenging trail run along Fingal Bay's coastal path in this unique Euro-style triathlon," Ms Lazenby said.
"The course has been designed so that runners experience diverse and challenging terrain, all while being able to look out at some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia.”
To find out more go to www.in2adventure.com.au/events/tomaree-trail- run-festival