New and old athletes to take on triathlon

Barwon Heads Triathlon athlete Carly Eddy with race organiser and founder Lincoln Beckworth. (Ivan Kemp) 389900_03

Get ready to run, walk and swim as the Barwon Heads Triathlon returns for its ninth year.

The event will feature a 400-metre swim, 14-kilometre cycle and four-kilometre run from 8.20am on February 25 around 13th Beach from the transition area opposite the Barwon Heads Hotel.

Race organiser and founder Lincoln Beckworth said the event was achievable by athletes of all abilities, and he looked forward to seeing everyone undertaking the challenge.

“It’s great to have the support of the locals and businesses, and we hope to see big crowds down there on Sunday,” he said.

“We see all types of athletes and… it’s not too serious. It’s just about having fun and seeing the joy of people when they cross the finish line.

“People that are experienced athletes, they see it as a fast hit out and enjoy doing the race for that sort of challenge and it also attracts a lot of people that have always wanted to do a triathlon.”

Mr Beckworth said it was one of the triathlon’s biggest years, with 1000 competitors signed up, and that it had close to “400 first timers each year”.

“We get lots of people coming back and we’ve got 12 competitors that have done it every year, so we call them the legends,” he said.

“It’s one of the highlights to see a large number of people doing their first triathlon ever, really enjoying it, and having their family and friends support them at the event.”

More information about the Barwon Heads Triathlon, which is presented by 13th Beach Health Services, is available at barwonheadstri.com.au