Why is the Coffs Tri so special?

January 2018. 

The bcu Coffs Tri is just five years old and has already doubled in size since its inception in 2013 and achieved World Championship Qualifying status for the second year running. What makes this race so popular?

Organisers say it’s the spectacular course as well as the unique community vibe.The event is run by locals and gives generously back to local community groups who all pitch in to help make it happen.

The weekend of events on 3-4 March 2018, includes kids races for ages six and up as well as an ‘enticer’ triathlon for those new to the sport, and the headline Standard Distance event (1.5km/40km/10km) for individuals and teams.

The ocean swim is held at the protected Jetty Beach, which rarely sees waves so swimmers get to experience the thrill of an ocean swim in clear, calm conditions. Competitors swim around Coffs Harbour’s iconic jetty structure before returning to the beach for T1. It is perfect for spectators who get a birds-eye view of the swimmers from above.

After exiting T1 competitors begin the two-lap cycle course and are immediately greeted with a steep but short hill – the only one on course – so organisers suggest starting in a low gear. From there, the cyclists head south towards sunny Sawtell where they are rewarded with a fast, flat section, perfect for seeing what the TT bike is capable of. It is a fully closed cycle leg ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for all levels of experience.

The run leg heads south from transition hugging the picturesque harbour foreshores towards the break wall, which is a long peninsular at the southern end of the harbour. The harbour vista is spectacular and runners are rewarded with an ocean breeze and water views for the duration. As they make their first turnaround, runners are greeted with a view back towards Coffs Harbour and its unique mountain backdrop. At the end of their first lap competitors are encouraged with cheers from the crowd as they run along the wooden jetty structure lined with spectators.

Race Director Noel Phillips said, “Our aim is to deliver a professional event with a quality course in a beautiful location, whilst maintaining affordable entry fees and a great community vibe. We want to attract the elite of the sport as well as those just starting out.”

“We have invested a lot of time and money to ensure our cycle course is safe and is completely closed to traffic. And of course our swim and run legs are spectacular,” said Phillips.

The Standard Distance event on Sunday, March 4 2018 is an Age Group ITU World Championship Qualifying Race and will double as the NSW State Championships.

Phillips said, “We are delighted to have been awarded a world championship qualifying race from Triathlon Australia for the second year running. It is not only great for the event but also for the Coffs region. We are excited to continue to deliver a world-class event and to add even more reasons for people from all over Australia to come and visit the beautiful Coffs Coast.”

With the 2018 World Championships being held on the Gold Coast next year we are anticipating record numbers and encourage competitors to enter early to avoid missing out. Early bird prices are on offer until December 8 with great savings to be had.

The bcu Coffs Tri has a total prize purse of AU$4,500 for the top three overall male and female place gettersand is expecting to attract a high calibre of professional athletes.

Rio Olympian Ryan Fisher took out the 2017 event in record time and current Melbourne Marathon and City to Surf Champion, Celia Sullohern won the female division with a blistering run time.

With its beautiful location and world-class course, the bcu Coffs Tri is one of the must do events on the national Triathlon calendar andisideal for competitors and spectators alike.

Entries for the bcu Coffs Tri on March 3-4 2018 are now open at villagesports.com.au.Early registration is encouraged due to the anticipated sell-out.