why we love.....the noosa triathlon!

Now in its 37th year, the Noosa Triathlon Festival is the largest triathlon event in the world, and one of Australia’s most loved celebrations of all things multisport. Participation in the hero event itself is also virtually a rite of passage for budding triathletes everywhere and if you haven’t already, one to add to the bucket list!
 
Later this week, over 12,000 athletes will make the annual pilgrimage to the triathlon mecca of Noosa Heads. There’s something special about Noosa that attracts professional triathletes to train, live and race, and entices the masses to return year after year to participate in this iconic five-day festival.  Here are the five reasons we’ve got a giant soft spot for one of Australia’s most iconic events …

1. The Atmosphere
It’s big, it’s bustling and it’s busy, but Noosa Triathlon Festival is one hell of a celebration. Sure, you’ll probably come across an ego or two (or more) throughout the weekend, but big heads aside, the atmosphere and festival vibe is nurtured and encouraged by the organisers and embraced by the local community and athletes alike.
 
Timing-wise, it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s November – it’s Noosa Tri and it’s basically Christmas holidays thereafter. Work is winding down and everyone’s in the mood for a party. And there aren’t many after-parties bigger or better than Noosa’s, with a perfect combination of seasoned Noosa Tri veterans, elite athletes, newbie individual debutants and happy-go-lucky team participants just keen to have a good time!
 
2. The Complementary Events
he Noosa Triathlon Festival is just that – a festival! We love a good celebration of all things multisport and the five-day festival showcases so many awesome events to perfectly complement Sunday’s main race.  
 
Keen athletes can participate in variety of lead up events including the Noosa Run Swim Run, Breakfast Fun Run and the 1000m Ocean Swim. “Super Saturday” features the Noosa Superkidz Triathlon for all the aspiring junior triathletes and finishes off with the classic ASICS 5km Bolt and Australian Open Criterium races which are always fun to spectate.   
 
A steady stream of other events and activities across the weekend ensures there’s not a dull moment to be had, no matter your interest or ability.   
 
3. The Course
Even if large-scale races aren’t your thing, the one beauty about Noosa you’ll surely appreciate is the event planning and organisation. After more than 35 years running the event, its organisers execute with precision.
 
The race itself begins on Noosa Main Beach, which is generally calm and clear (breathe guys, last year was an anomaly!). No doubt veteran Noosa Tri athletes will be happy to wave those canal mud moustaches and monobrows of yesteryear goodbye!
 
The bike course is technically described as “undulating” but it’s generally flat (minus Garmin Hill, about 10km in) and traverses some beautiful hinterland scenery. If you’re fit enough, you should have a few spare breaths to appreciate the views.
 
A flat, one-lap out and back course through Noosa Sound, the run leg is a dream … provided you can get yourself onto it before the sun starts to heat things up! Crowd support is crucial here and there’s plenty of it, with spectators lining almost the entire distance. If you’ve been here before, you’ll have (not so) fond memories of that charming last-ditch detour through Dolphin Crescent we all love to hate. The only saving grace here are the friendly locals who voluntarily provide cooling services to struggling athletes via their garden hoses!
 
4. The Noosa Sport & Lifestyle Expo  
No Noosa Tri Festival is complete without at least one decent wander through the impressive Sport & Lifestyle expo. It’s hard to avoid too, given registration is in the same location at Noosa Woods.
 
For triathlon nerds and gear buffs, a stroll through the exhibitor displays to chat to product reps, sample the latest nutritional supplements and potentially nab a bargain or two is a must. One of T:Zero’s major sponsors Clif Bar will again have a great set-up so be sure to stop by and say hi to their friendly crew.
 
5. The Destination 
s far as local race locations go, there’s no doubt Noosa is an impressive destination. For athletes and their families, it provides endless options for food, activities and entertainment catering for a variety of interests. For most, local accommodations require minimum nights’ stay (generally 3-4) so taking a few extra days pre or post-race is a good idea if your circumstances permit. Whether you enjoy Hastings Street with its countless shopping and dining options or prefer to escape to the trails of the National Park, everything you need for a good time is within walking distance.
 
The location itself is also very spectator-friendly – on race day family and supporters can choose to find a space close to the finishing chute and soak up the excitement of the finish line, or avoid the hustle and bustle and instead opt for a shady spot along Noosa Parade and beyond (they are plentiful) guaranteeing a view of their athlete twice on both the ride and run legs, if they’re eagle-eyed enough!
 
Good luck to all our T:Zero athletes racing at Noosa this weekend, and remember to keep an eye out for Coach Scotty who will be handing out Clif Bars in the recovery area on Sunday with the Clif Crew!