The annual Bridgewater Triathlon and Duathlon Sunday 4 February

Published on 18 January 2018

Competitors from all over Victoria will line up when the 15th annual Bridgewater Triathlon and Duathlon gets under way.

Organised by the local football/netball club, the event takes place on Sunday 4 February from the Bridgewater Caravan Park.

Entries are available either as individuals or in teams.

There are three triathlon courses offered, ranging from swims of 50-500m, rides of 3-20km and runs of 1-5km. The duathlon course involves a 5km run and 20km ride.

Volunteer organiser Claire Harrison said more than 300 participants were expected to compete.

“Our first year saw just 30 entrants, but it’s grown so much since then,” she said.

“When you consider that so many competitors bring family members and friends, you’re looking at 1000 or so people in town for the morning.

“There are plenty of entrants who are regulars now and people come from right across the state – from Melbourne, Echuca, Deniliquin and Horsham, for example.

“It takes 40-50 volunteers from the club to run the event on the day, the school and the local CFA take turns with catering and the SES comes out every year to look after marshalling and water safety.

“We get a lot of assistance from VicRoads, plus generous sponsorship from Council, the community bank and the bakery, among others.

“Prizes are sourced from local businesses as much as possible.

“An innovation this time is a $1000 prize for the biggest group entry, to be donated to a charity of the members’ choice.

“It’s an event for any fitness level, from professional to novice.”

Costs range from $10 to $35 for juniors, $20 to $50 for open entrants and $30 to $65 for a team. A $5 late fee will be applied to all entries received on the day.

For more details, go to www.bridgewateronloddon.com.au