A spectacular COVID-safe triathlon event was conducted in Port Stephens over the weekend, with more than 650 athletes taking part over two events under NSW Health Orders.
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The event hosted by the Tomaree Tri Club had been rescheduled from May due to the pandemic. Maitland's Cooper Lee took out the 16-19 years age group and was first male overall in the sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), with a time of 01:06:18.
Many of the visiting athletes who descended on Port Stephens from all over the state described the Tomaree peninsula as the perfect venue for a triathlon event.
"It is close to the Sydney region where many of the participants travel from, it has plenty of accommodation and there are an abundance of activities and food for both the athletes and their families," event organisers said.
"In our words, Port Stephens (and particularly One Mile) is exciting and inviting and we don't upset too many locals and traffic flow."
The look and feel for the event this year was a little different due to COVID, but the athletes understood the rules and regulations and all are eager to come back in May 2021 for the usual end of season finale.
Tomaree Triathlon Club has a busy schedule heading into the Christmas break, with a walk and practice swim on Saturday, November 28 at its headquarters at Salamander Bay.
On Sunday, December 6, the club will hold its ladies come and try day catering for females aged from 12 year to the 80-plus range.
The mantra for the day is "finish line not the finish time" and all the members will assist new competitors over a 200 metre swim, 11 kilometre bike ride and 3 kilometre run.
The come and tri day is free due to the fabulous support of sponsors Cheeky Dog Hotel, the Hula Hut, Crest Birubi Point, and McCaulys bottle shop.
There will be a lucky door prize as well as trophies. Interested athletes should assemble adjacent to the Cheeky Dog at 8am the response has been great so check out the web site for details and bookings.
The annual Dave Swan memorial day to honour their foundation member who sadly passed away with cancer, will be held on Sunday, December 13.
Races are held over the short and long courses competition followed by a family funday at the sailing club with bacon and egg rolls and the splash and dash event where the competitors nominate their time to complete the dash for cash.
The winner will be the one who matches their chosen time, all funds raised will go to the breast cancer support group with the tri club contributing more than $3500 in the past five years.
Apart from the obvious health and fitness benefits, Tri club members have a lot of fun and organisers take very seriously the safety aspect when conducting events and club meets. To register contact the Facebook page.
