Perfect conditions greeted the 117 competitors at the Coral Coast Physio Bargara Sprint Triathlon as they tackled the 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run.
The triathlon took place this morning at Kellys Beach at Bargara and included three levels: Turtles for the juniors, Give it a Tri for novices and the Sprint race for more experienced triathletes.
Aarj Day, 10, won the Turtles race and he said swimming was his favourite sport, and taking part in triathlons was a bit of fun.
Aarj’s mum Anita Day also competed in the Coral Coast Physio Bargara Triathlon, and she was the third female to cross the line in the Give it a Tri division.
She said she was extremely proud of Aarj, and of her own efforts, as it was the first triathlon she had competed in.
“I am very proud of Aarj, his determination is unreal, he definitely has the drive,” Anita said.
“I’ve never done a triathlon, I am proud to even finish let alone come third.
“I would definitely encourage others just to get out and give it a go, get active!”
Individual winner of the sprint event was James Thomas, and he said it was exhausting after a big week of physical activity.
“I am empty!” James said seconds after crossing the finish line.
“I have competed in the UCI CycleFest this week, it was just an awesome week of events.
“I competed in the crit and pretty much all the track races as well.
“I think I will have a rest day tomorrow.”
James said competing at Bargara gave him the most satisfaction as he was able to support his fellow triathletes.
“To be honest, competing here I was so excited because all my friends are here and there is just such a good atmosphere.
“Out of all the triathlons, number one for me would be right here in Bargara.”
Last year James competed in the 2019 Ring Road Run and came in first, with his young brother Matthew Thomas on his heels the entire race.
Both of the brothers came first in their divisions in the Bargara triathlon.
With the state triathlon titles coming up next week Matthew, 13, was pleased to win the Give it a Tri division at the Coral Coast Physio Bargara Sprint Triathlon.
“It’s a great atmosphere down here at Bargara, and it’s nice to support the local triathlons,” he said.
The St Luke’s student said he started competing in 2014, and he was eager to transition up to the next level of the sport in a few years’ time.
“I am just going through the motions and making sure I can still do a triathlon,” Matthew said.
“My legs felt a little heavy, but I will definitely make sure my legs are right for next week.”
Bargara Triathlon thanks sponsors
Bargara Triathlon committee member and MC for the Coral Coast Physio Bargara Sprint Triathlon, Troy Austin said there was 140 competitors pushing themselves to the limit in the annual sprint event.
“It’s been a great turn out and the field is made up of 75 per cent of locals, and we have a few from Hervey Bay and Gladstone,” Troy said.
“It’s one of our biggest triathlons and one of the favourites as it’s warmer, with our next big one happening in May.
“The local sponsors have really put in for this local triathlon and really excelled themselves.”
Troy said events like this triathlon wouldn’t be able to be held without the support from the local sponsors.
Coral Coast Physiotherapy director Ben Heidenreich it was always great to be involved in local sporting events.
With a free physio triage set up at the event, Ben said they also offered an assessment package of physio, podiatry and nutrition, which would continue until the end of the tri season at the end of June.
“We feel being a local business it’s always good to give back to the local community,” Ben said.
“The community supports us, so we are happy to give back to them.”
For the full list of winners click here.
- Other triathlon news: Ben Artup wins Bargara Sprint Triathlon
