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Subscriber only Crowds lined the streets of Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba to cheer on their loved ones as athletes took on the challenge of the Mooloolaba Triathlon. The elites were out early and got the job done, with Matthew Hauser and Ashleigh Gentle taking the male and female titles in the Australian Elite and Under-23 Standard Championship. But thousands of competitors were still slogging it out midmorning Sunday, sweltering as they pounded the pavement in what is a gruelling test of stamina and mental strength, in both individual and teams events. The athletes drew out plenty of onlookers who made the most of a picturesque morning to get some time in the sand and surf and cheer on their friends and family as they sweated through the kilometres.
Cameron will be taking on the 10km run along the Mooloolaba foreshore while youngest Matt will tackle the 40km bike ride and Mark will compete in the 1500m swim. Cameron Herbert said while there’s a rivalry between him and his brothers, they’re in it to beat the other firefighting teams.
“We’re not taking it super seriously but it’s good that we’ve all come together, they both work in Brisbane so we don’t get together too often as the three of us,” Mr Hebert said.
“It’ll be a nice way to spend the day and have something to talk about afterwards.
WEATHER REPORT AND TIDES It will be a damp Friday on the Coast as the weather bureau predicts a high chance of showers this morning, tending to a medium chance of rain in the afternoon. There s also the possibility of a thunderstorm near the coast in the morning and across the hinterland later today. Maleny will reach a maximum temperature of 26C, while a majority of the region will sit at 28C. Low tide was at 1.15am at 0.33m and high tide will be at 7.43am at 1.93m. The next low tide is scheduled for 2.02pm at 0.39m while high tide reaches 1.57m at 7.53pm.
Club president Kim Edwards said nearly half of their participants are first time triathletes, but expected many will “get the bug” after Mooloolaba Tri.
“Everyone gets hooked, it’s a great community so everyone has goals to continue on, and our club is growing exponentially at the moment.”
“There’s a lot of excitement at the moment and we’re just happy to be out racing.”
Ms Edwards said as well as members having the drive to compete, there were many people contesting for something greater than competition.
“We’ve got one girl that’s recovering from a major illness ten years ago and this was her goal to do the Mooloolaba Triathlon, that’s what kept her focused,” she said.
WEATHER REPORT AND TIDES The weather bureau has predicted a high chance of showers drenching the Coast today, with the rain expected to ease off by this afternoon. There s also the possibility of a thunderstorm. Maximum temperatures will be a little cooler today, with Maleny reaching 25C and Maroochydore, Nambour, Caloundra and Noosa Heads hitting 28C. Low tide was after midnight at 0.38m and high tide will be at 7.06am at 1.92m. The next low tide is scheduled for 1.30pm at 0.42m and high tide will reach 1.5m at 8.16pm.
TRAFFIC Queensland Traffic has not reported any major incidents causing delays on Coast roads this morning. There will be plenty of changed road conditions on Friday as the Mooloolaba Tri kicks off. See the full list of closures here.