In 1999 a small band of Airlie Beach enthusiasts formed the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and, with help from the Airlie Beach Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, immediately set about organizing the first community triathlon. The number of competitors in the inaugural race was 75 and that initial success set the scene for an annual event which has grown from a small sprint distance triathlon to a multi-event weekend with over 300 competitors in 2008.

In addition to our Sprint Distance Triathlon (750/20/5), consistently sanctioned by Triathlon Queensland and recognized as the NQ Sprint Distance Championship, the weekend also includes The Business Teams Challenge, The Highschool Teams Challenge, The Junior Triathlon for ages up to 13, The Open Water swim and teamsprint and The Beach Volleyball Challenge.

The locals have been behind our event since its inception and as the area grows in size so does the amount of support generated from within this vibrant and energetic community.  Assistance comes in the form of financial sponsors of all levels for each event plus product sponsors generating approximately $18,000 in cash and random draw prizes.  In addition our hard working and enthusiastic band of volunteers grows every year and is integral to the efficiency, safety and friendly feel of the whole weekend.

The race has consistently been able to attract some of the country’s best triathletes as can be seen in the ‘Hall of Fame’ link on this page and all our elite competitors have made a point of congratulating the organizers on producing a truly professional event combined with friendly small town hospitality.

In 2009 the 11th annual Airlie Beach Festival of Sport will be held on the weekend of August 29-30 and will again include all the above events.  Entry forms will be available on the site in the first part of 2009 with a Register Online facility. 

We invite you to ‘make the transition’ and join us in August 2009 in the beautiful Whitsundays, where everyday is a holiday and racing in paradise is a joy.

Wendy Downes
Race Director